Argentina Squad Announced for World Cup 2026

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has named his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The Squad

Lionel Messi, now 38, will lead the defending champions once again. Despite his age, Messi remains in exceptional form for Inter Miami and has declared this World Cup as his primary goal for 2026.

"Winning back-to-back World Cups would be the greatest achievement of my career," Messi said at the press conference. "I feel physically ready and mentally focused."

Key Players

• Lionel Messi (Captain) — Inter Miami CF
• Julián Álvarez — Atletico Madrid (top scorer in UCL 2024/25)
• Rodrigo De Paul — Atletico Madrid
• Emiliano Martínez — Aston Villa (arguably world's best GK)

Notable Absences

Angel Di Maria, who retired from international duty after the 2024 Copa América, is not part of the squad. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martínez returns from injury to claim his spot.

Argentina are placed in Group C and open their campaign on June 16th. Defending the title on the biggest stage of all — can the Albiceleste do it again?