Key Takeaways:
- Argentina announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup
- Lionel Messi prepares for his sixth and final World Cup, with Nicolas Otamendi included following his move to River Plate
- Argentina will compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico, and Canada
Squad Announcement and Key Absences
Defending champions Argentina have officially named their final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, as unveiled late Thursday evening by manager Lionel Scaloni. The team remains under the leadership of Lionel Messi, who heads into his sixth – and final – World Cup appearance. The list features experienced centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, who departs Benfica after six seasons to join River Plate.
From a provisional selection of 55 players, notable exclusions include Gianluca Prestianni, the 20-year-old Benfica winger with one senior international cap, and Alan Varela, the 24-year-old FC Porto midfielder with two senior appearances, and Franco Mastantuono. All featured in the initial wider squad but do not make the final cut.
Had Prestianni been selected, he would have faced a two-match ban at the start of the tournament, a result of suspension handed down for homophobic conduct towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during a Champions League fixture at Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, in February.
🚨 ARGENTINA WORLD CUP SQUAD. pic.twitter.com/h74tRWGnLO
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) May 28, 2026
Consistency and New Talent in Scaloni’s Selection
Coach Scaloni has opted for continuity, retaining a substantial cohort of his 2022 World Cup-winning lineup. Familiar names include goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defenders Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Otamendi, and Nicolas Tagliafico, together with midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes. The attacking line-up continues to feature Lisandro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Messi.
Several youngsters have earned a call-up, with Scaloni including prospects like Nico Paz, Valentin Barco, and Giuliano Simeone.
Group J Challenge and Tournament Details
The Argentine squad is set to compete in Group J of the 2026 World Cup, slated to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July. Their group stage opponents will be Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Full Argentina World Cup Squad for 2026
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa |
| Geronimo Rulli | Marseille | |
| Juan Musso | Atletico de Madrid | |
| Defenders | Gonzalo Montiel | River Plate |
| Nahuel Molina | Atletico de Madrid | |
| Nicolas Otamendi | Benfica | |
| Cristian Romero | Tottenham | |
| Leonardo Balerdi | Marseille | |
| Lisandro Martinez | Manchester United | |
| Nicolas Tagliafico | Lyon | |
| Facundo Medina | Marseille | |
| Midfielders | Valentin Barco | Strasbourg |
| Giovani Lo Celso | Real Betis | |
| Nico Paz | Como | |
| Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea | |
| Leandro Paredes | Boca Juniors | |
| Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool | |
| Rodrigo De Paul | Inter Miami | |
| Exequiel Palacios | Bayer Leverkusen | |
| Nicolas Gonzalez | Atletico de Madrid | |
| Giuliano Simeone | Atletico de Madrid | |
| Thiago Almada | Atletico de Madrid | |
| Forwards | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami |
| Julian Alvarez | Atletico de Madrid | |
| Lautaro Martinez | Inter Milan | |
| Flaco Lopez | Palmeiras |
