What’s Argentina squad for the World Cup?

Reigning World Cup champions Argentina have announced their squad for the 2026 tournament, with Lionel Scaloni retaining the core group that lifted the trophy in Qatar while making a handful of targeted changes.

Argentina are in Group J alongside Austria, Algeria and Jordan. Their opener is scheduled for 17 June at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where they will face Algeria.

As with several other contenders, injuries had been a concern ahead of the final squad announcement.

Another point of debate has been the quality of Argentina's preparation. While other major nations scheduled high-profile friendlies, the Albiceleste faced much weaker opposition—including Zambia, Mauritania, Angola, and Puerto Rico, none of whom will be at the World Cup. Their final pre-tournament warm-up matches are against Honduras and Iceland, more absentees from the finals.

Argentina's World Cup squad

In goal, the situation is settled. Scaloni's preferred trio remains Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, and Juan Musso. The first two were part of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, while Musso established himself during the qualifiers.

Defensively, Scaloni has made some changes from Qatar 2022. Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel retain their places at right-back, while the left-back slot remains a concern. Nicolas Tagliafico keeps his spot, but Marcos Acuna misses out. Facundo Medina (a surprise inclusion at centre-back) and Valentin Barco, a young Strasbourg midfielder, can also cover the left flank.

At centre-back, Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero (fitness permitting) remain, joined by Lisandro Martinez. Leonardo Balerdi, who has impressed of late, and his Marseille team-mate Medina.

In midfield, Scaloni sticks with the formula that worked in Qatar: Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios and Rodrigo De Paul all return.

In attack, 2022 champions Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Thiago Almada are all present. Newcomers include Giuliano Simeone, Nico Gonzalez, Palmeiras' Flaco Lopez, and Nico Paz, who impressed at Como under Cesc Fabregas.

Argentina's full World Cup 2026 squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovanni Lo Celso (Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)

Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nico Gonzalez (Atletico de Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico de Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Flaco Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Internazionale)

Argentina's strengths

Without question, Argentina's main strengths are in central and attacking areas. Scaloni is looking to replicate the formula that brought success in Qatar and throughout the World Cup qualifiers.

This is evident in the recall of the same quality midfielders from the last tournament. In attack, the main new face is Nico Paz, widely viewed as the next big thing for the Albiceleste.

This continuity could prove highly effective, with the midfield and attack well-drilled and familiar, having played together throughout the qualifiers.

And then there is Messi, arriving at his sixth World Cup with one ambition: to add to his extraordinary legacy. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, now 38, remains the undisputed reference point for this team.

Argentina's weaknesses

Throughout qualifying, Scaloni struggled to find a left-back to push Nicolas Tagliafico for his place. While Barco is now in the squad, he was not a regular during the build-up, and Medina or even Nico Gonzalez may be called upon to fill in.

At centre-back, 38-year-old Nicolas Otamendi is expected to partner Cristian Romero in what will surely be his final World Cup, while Lisandro Martinez struggled with injuries for most of the qualifiers.

Argentina Squad Value Overview

• Total Squad Market Value: €816.5m
• Average Player Market Value: €31.48m
• Most Valuable Players: Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez (€90m each)
• Second Most Valuable Player: Lautaro Martinez (€85m)
• Lowest-Valued Player: Nicolas Otamendi (€1m)

The reigning world champions enter the tournament with a squad value of €816.5m, reflecting a blend of elite, prime-age talent and ageing legends.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez are Argentina's most valuable assets, each valued at €90m.

They are closely followed by Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez at €85m, with Como's rising star Nico Paz and Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister each at €80m.

At the other end, the lowest valuations are mainly due to age. Benfica's veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi is valued at €1m, reflecting the depreciation of a 38-year-old defender. The same curve applies to Lionel Messi; despite his talismanic status, the Inter Miami forward is valued at €15m, matching both Emiliano Martinez and Rodrigo De Paul.