Argentina 2026 World Cup Squad: Projected Players, Selection Criteria and Key Reasons
Having lifted their third World Cup trophy in Qatar 2022, Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as the defending champion with high expectations. Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, the team has maintained excellent form in the South American qualifiers, topping the group and securing qualification ahead of schedule. The selection of the 26-man squad will focus on continuity and renewal: retaining the core players who contributed to the 2022 championship while introducing promising young talents to ensure the team’s competitiveness in both the short and long term. The following is a detailed analysis of the projected squad and the reasons for each player’s selection, divided by positions.
Goalkeepers (3 Players)
The goalkeeper position is one of Argentina’s strengths, with a combination of top-level starters and reliable backups, providing a solid foundation for the team’s defense.
1. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, 33 years old)
As the undisputed No.1 goalkeeper of Argentina, Emiliano Martínez is almost certain to be selected. He was a key hero of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, delivering legendary performances in the penalty shootout against France in the final, where his crucial saves secured the title for the Albiceleste. Known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability, quick reflexes and psychological toughness, Martínez has a save success rate of nearly 80% in recent seasons and excels in penalty-saving mind games that can unsettle even the world’s top strikers. Additionally, his excellent ball-playing ability allows him to participate in the team’s backline build-up, perfectly fitting Scaloni’s possession-based tactical system. With over 50 caps for the national team, he has become one of the most dominant goalkeepers in Argentina’s history and will continue to be the “rock” of the team’s defense in 2026.
2. Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille, 31 years old)
Rulli is expected to be the main backup goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup squad. With rich experience in both club and international competitions, he has represented Argentina in the Copa América and has proven to be a reliable understudy. His solid shot-stopping skills and excellent aerial ball handling make him capable of stepping in at any time if Martínez is injured. Having played for top European clubs such as Real Sociedad and Marseille, Rulli has adapted to high-intensity matches and his consistent form in Ligue 1 has earned him the trust of Scaloni’s coaching staff. His inclusion ensures stability in the goalkeeper position and eliminates concerns about rotational gaps.
3. Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace, 30 years old)
Benítez secures the third goalkeeper spot with his outstanding performances in the Premier League. After years of tempering in England’s top flight, he has developed quick reflexes and the ability to handle unexpected situations, making him a valuable rotational option. His experience in a physically demanding league like the Premier League has enhanced his adaptability to high-intensity matches, which is crucial for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Although he has fewer caps for the national team compared to Martínez and Rulli, his consistent form at Crystal Palace and his compatibility with Argentina’s tactical system have made him the ideal choice for the third goalkeeper position.
Defenders (8 Players)
The defensive line retains the core of the 2022 championship squad, with a mix of experienced veterans and young talents, ensuring both stability and vitality. The combination of center-backs and full-backs is well-balanced, capable of adapting to both defensive solidity and offensive support.
Center-backs (4 Players)
1. Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur, 27 years old): As the core of Argentina’s center-back line, Romero is a shoo-in for the squad. At his peak, he boasts strong physicality, precise positioning and excellent defensive awareness, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game. His partnership with Otamendi in the 2022 World Cup was highly successful, and their tacit understanding remains a key asset for the team. Romero’s ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has made him one of the best center-backs in the world, and his consistent form at Tottenham further solidifies his position in the national team.
2. Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica, 38 years old): Despite his advanced age, Otamendi’s rich experience and leadership make him an indispensable part of the squad. As a veteran of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, he excels in aerial duels and defensive anticipation, providing valuable guidance to the younger defenders. Although his turning speed has slowed down due to age, his positional awareness and ability to organize the defense compensate for this shortcoming. His performances for Benfica in the Champions League have proven that he can still compete at the highest level, and his inclusion brings stability and experience to the defensive line.
3. Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United, 28 years old): After recovering from injury, Lisandro has regained his top form, making him a key backup center-back. Known for his aggressive tackling and excellent ball-playing ability, he can also play as a left-back, adding flexibility to the defense. His ability to win duels in small spaces and his willingness to press high perfectly fit Scaloni’s tactical requirements, and he can effectively make up for Otamendi’s lack of pace. His consistent performances for Manchester United have earned him a place in the squad, providing reliable cover for the starting center-back pair.
4. Tomás Palacios (Estudiantes de La Plata, 22 years old): As a promising young center-back, Palacios is included in the squad as a long-term investment. Standing at 196cm, he has excellent aerial ability and has performed impressively since joining Estudiantes de La Plata on loan from Inter Milan in the 2026 winter window. His physicality and defensive potential have caught the attention of Scaloni’s coaching staff, and his inclusion is part of Argentina’s plan to renew the squad. Although he may not get much playing time in the tournament, the World Cup experience will be invaluable for his future development.
Full-backs (4 Players)
1. Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid, 27 years old): Molina is the undisputed starting right-back, thanks to his balanced attacking and defensive abilities. He is solid in defense and excels in overlapping runs, often inserting into the penalty area to deliver crosses. During the World Cup qualifiers, he contributed 3 assists, demonstrating his offensive threat. His understanding with the midfielders and forwards has improved significantly over the years, making him an important part of Argentina’s attacking system. His consistent form at Atlético Madrid further confirms his status as the first-choice right-back.
2. Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon, 33 years old): Tagliafico retains his place in the squad with his rich experience and excellent defensive awareness. As a member of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, he is good at tracking back and covering defensive gaps, and his ability to read the game is crucial for the team’s defense. Although his pace and explosiveness have declined slightly with age, his positional sense and passing ability still make him a reliable left-back. His experience in major competitions will be valuable for the team, especially in the knockout stages.
3. Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate, 28 years old): Montiel returns to the squad after regaining his form at River Plate. As a reliable backup for Molina, he is solid in defense and a consistent penalty taker, having scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup final. His defensive awareness and ability to overlap on the right flank make him a valuable rotational option. Although he has a tendency to get injured, his experience and versatility ensure his inclusion in the squad.
4. Facundo Medina (Marseille, 27 years old): Medina is the ideal backup for Tagliafico, thanks to his balanced attacking and defensive abilities. He can play both left-back and left center-back, adding flexibility to the defense. His technical style fits perfectly with Scaloni’s tactical system, and his ability to push forward and deliver crosses provides additional offensive support. His consistent performances for Marseille in Ligue 1 have earned him the trust of the coaching staff, making him an important part of the defensive rotation.
Midfielders (8 Players)
The midfield is the core of Argentina’s team, with the “golden triangle” of Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul continuing to lead the team. The addition of young talents ensures the team’s midfield depth and long-term competitiveness.
1. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea, 24 years old):
As the engine of Argentina’s midfield, Enzo is a must-select player. He won the Best Young Player award at the 2022 World Cup and has since developed into one of the best midfielders in the world. With a passing accuracy of 90% for the national team, he excels in long passes and game control, and is also capable of defensive interceptions and forward runs. His ability to connect the defense and attack makes him the core of Scaloni’s tactical system, and his consistent form at Chelsea has further enhanced his influence. Enzo’s youth and versatility make him a key player for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.
2. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, 26 years old):
Mac Allister is an indispensable part of Argentina’s midfield, thanks to his exceptional mobility and versatility. He can drop back to receive the ball and organize attacks, or push forward to participate in the final third, averaging 1.5 clear chances created per game. His ability to read the game and make intelligent runs makes him the key link in Argentina’s attack, and his partnership with Enzo has become one of the most effective midfield combinations in world football. His performances for Liverpool in the Premier League and Champions League have proven his ability to compete at the highest level, ensuring his place in the starting lineup.
3. Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami, 31 years old):
Despite his slightly declining form, De Paul’s experience and defensive tenacity make him an important member of the squad. He is good at midfield duels and long-distance running, capable of cutting off the opponent’s counterattacks and providing defensive cover for Messi. As a veteran of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, he has rich experience in major competitions and his leadership in the midfield is invaluable. His move to Inter Miami has allowed him to maintain a good level of form, and his understanding with Messi (his club teammate) will further enhance the team’s chemistry.
4. Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors, 30 years old):
Paredes is a reliable backup defensive midfielder, known for his tough tackling and ability to take set pieces. He played a supporting role in the 2022 World Cup but has since become a regular in the national team during the qualifiers. His ability to intercept passes and organize the defense makes him an important rotational option for the midfield, and his experience in both European and South American football adds depth to the squad. His performances for Boca Juniors have proven that he can still contribute to the team, making him a valuable member of the squad.
5. Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid, 24 years old):
Almada is one of the most promising young midfielders in Argentina, and his inclusion in the squad is a reflection of Scaloni’s focus on youth renewal. With exquisite dribbling skills and quick feet, he excels in small-scale combinations and cutting inside from the flanks, capable of providing assists for the forwards. His impressive performances during the World Cup qualifiers have earned him a place in the squad, and his ability to change the rhythm of the game makes him a valuable attacking option off the bench. His development at Atlético Madrid has enhanced his ability to compete at the highest level, and he is expected to play an important role in Argentina’s future.
6. Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid, 18 years old):
As Argentina’s rising star, Mastantuono is included in the squad as a long-term investment. At just 18 years old, he has joined Real Madrid and possesses exceptional talent and potential. He excels in midfield organization and long-range shooting, and his performances for River Plate and Real Madrid have caught the attention of the world. He was the only new face in Argentina’s starting lineup in a qualifier against Venezuela in 2025, demonstrating Scaloni’s trust in him. Although he may not get much playing time in the 2026 World Cup, the experience will be crucial for his development, and he is expected to become a core player for Argentina in the future.
7. Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen, 26 years old):
Palacios is a versatile midfielder with excellent mobility and defensive coverage. He is good at running and pressing, capable of providing energy and defensive depth to the midfield. His ability to adapt to different tactical systems makes him a valuable rotational option, and his performances for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga have proven his ability to compete at a high level. His inclusion in the squad adds depth to the midfield and ensures that the team can maintain its intensity in long matches.
Forwards (7 Players)
The forward line features a combination of experience and youth, with Messi leading the way and young talents like Julián Álvarez supporting him. The lineup is versatile, capable of adapting to both possession-based football and counterattacks.
1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, 39 years old):
As the spiritual leader of Argentina, Messi is certain to be selected for what will be his final World Cup. Although he is 39 years old, his ability to change the game single-handedly remains unmatched. His role in the team has shifted to a “key moment game-changer,” focusing on creating chances for his teammates through through balls and cutting inside, rather than participating in excessive defense. His finishing ability, passing vision and penalty accuracy are still world-class, and his experience in major competitions is invaluable for the team. His performances for Inter Miami in MLS have proven that he can still compete at a high level, and he will be the core of Argentina’s attack in the 2026 World Cup.
2. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid, 25 years old):
Alvarez is Argentina’s main striker, standing at his peak. With high finishing efficiency, he is also capable of dropping back to receive the ball and participating in counterattacks. He is good at pressing defenders and linking up with teammates, and his performances for Atlético Madrid in the 2025/26 season have been impressive, with a goal efficiency of 0.45 goals per game. As a key member of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, he has rich experience in major competitions and his partnership with Messi has become one of the most effective forward combinations in the world. His youth and versatility make him the core of Argentina’s forward line for years to come.
3. Nicolás González (Juventus, 27 years old):
González secures his place in the squad with his exceptional pace and attacking threat on the flanks. He is good at dribbling past defenders and delivering crosses, capable of creating chances for Messi and Álvarez in the center. His finishing ability is also impressive, making him a valuable scoring option. After Di María’s retirement, González has become Argentina’s main left winger, and his performances for Juventus have proven his ability to compete at the highest level. His inclusion adds pace and width to Argentina’s attack, making the team’s offensive system more diverse.
4. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, 28 years old):
Lautaro is a reliable backup striker, known for his comprehensive skills and high finishing ability. He is good at small-scale combinations and can adapt to various forward formations, making him a valuable rotational option. His performances for Inter Milan in the Serie A and Champions League have been consistent, and his experience in the national team makes him familiar with Scaloni’s tactical system. His ability to come off the bench and change the game makes him an important part of Argentina’s forward line.
5. Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid, 24 years old):
Simeone is a rising young forward with excellent movement and finishing ability. After being tempered at Atlético Madrid, he has improved his scoring skills significantly and has become a regular contributor for the club. His understanding of the game and ability to find space in the penalty area make him a valuable attacking option, and his inclusion in the squad reflects Scaloni’s focus on youth renewal. He is expected to provide fresh energy to Argentina’s forward line off the bench.
6. José López (Palmeiras, 24 years old):
López is included in the squad due to his exceptional physicality and hold-up play. Standing at 190cm, he is good at aerial duels and creating chances for his teammates, while also possessing impressive finishing and assist abilities. In the 2025 season, he made 51 appearances for Palmeiras in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing 6 assists, and he set up Mac Allister for a goal on his national team debut. His ability to play as a target man makes him a valuable option for Argentina’s阵地战, adding diversity to the team’s attack.
Conclusion
Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad is a balanced combination of experience and youth, retaining the core of the 2022 World Cup-winning team while integrating promising young talents. The selection of each player is based on their form, tactical adaptability, experience and potential, ensuring that the team has both the ability to compete for the title in the short term and the foundation for long-term development. With Messi leading the way and a strong supporting cast in every position, Argentina will be one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, aiming to break the curse of no defending champion retaining the title and write a new chapter in the country’s football history.