2026 World Cup: La Albiceleste Squad Confirmed

With barely five months remaining before the curtain rises on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina are once again being spoken of as one of the tournament’s principal favourites. The reigning world champions arrive with the confidence and pedigree of a side that ended a 36-year wait for global glory in Qatar in 2022, when they defeated France on penalties in a dramatic final. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is now intent on sharpening his team further as Argentina seek to defend their crown on North American soil.

Although Ángel Di María, one of Argentina’s standout performers in the last World Cup, has retired from international football, the core of the title-winning squad remains intact. Most of the players who lifted the trophy in Doha are expected to feature again in the United States, Canada and Mexico, providing continuity, experience and tactical cohesion. As preparations intensify, the outline of Argentina’s next World Cup squad has begun to take shape.

Renowned Argentine football journalist Gastón Edul has drawn up a provisional 26-man squad based on current form, tactical suitability and Lionel Scaloni’s established preferences. While injuries, fluctuations in form or the emergence of new young talents could still alter the final selection, this initial draft offers a clear indication of the players currently considered indispensable. According to Edul’s assessment, at least 20 players can already be viewed as virtual certainties for the tournament.

Argentina have been drawn into Group J at the 2026 World Cup. They will open their campaign on 16 June at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City against Algeria. The second group match follows on 22 June at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where they face Austria, before concluding the group stage at the same venue on 27 June against Jordan. While Argentina will be favourites to progress, each fixture is expected to test their depth and adaptability.

Below is a breakdown of the players widely regarded as confirmed members of Argentina’s World Cup squad at this stage:

Several others remain firmly in contention for the remaining places, forming the pool from which the final squad could be completed. These include goalkeeper Walter Benítez; defenders Juan Foyth, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Marcos Senesi, Marcos Acuña and Valentín Barco; midfielder Exequiel Palacios; and attacking options such as Franco Mastantuono and José Manuel López.

Blending the experience of proven champions with the energy of emerging talents, Argentina’s prospective squad reflects Scaloni’s long-term vision. With Lionel Messi still central to the team’s identity and leadership, the Albiceleste appear determined to mount a serious and credible defence of their world title in 2026.