Defending world champions Argentina national football team have officially unveiled their final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with head coach Lionel Scaloni naming the players tasked with defending the historic crown won in Qatar 2022.
As expected, legendary captain Lionel Messi headlines the squad once again, as Argentina prepare for another global title challenge with a balanced mix of experienced champions and emerging young stars.
The announcement confirms Scaloni’s trust in the core group that delivered glory in Qatar while also introducing fresh energy into the Albiceleste setup ahead of football’s biggest stage.
Argentina’s goalkeeping department will once again be led by World Cup hero Emiliano Martínez, whose penalty-saving heroics became iconic during the 2022 triumph.
Joining him are Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso, providing strong depth and experience between the posts.
Scaloni has retained much of his trusted defensive unit, including veterans Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero, alongside key full-backs Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico.
The squad also features Lisandro Martínez, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina and the versatile Valentín Barco.
Argentina’s midfield remains one of the strongest areas of the squad, featuring World Cup-winning trio Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.
Creative options such as Giovani Lo Celso and Leandro Paredes also return, while Exequiel Palacios adds further balance and composure.
Up front, all eyes will once again be on Messi as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner chases another chapter in his legendary international career.
Scaloni has surrounded his captain with an explosive attacking cast featuring Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González and rising stars Thiago Almada and Nico Paz.
The inclusion of Giuliano Simeone and José Manuel López highlights Argentina’s growing attacking depth heading into the tournament.
Argentina National Team Squad — FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers
- Emiliano Martínez — Aston Villa
- Gerónimo Rulli — Olympique de Marseille
- Juan Musso — Atalanta BC
Defenders
- Gonzalo Montiel — Nottingham Forest
- Nahuel Molina — Atlético Madrid
- Lisandro Martínez — Manchester United
- Nicolás Otamendi — S.L. Benfica
- Leonardo Balerdi — Olympique de Marseille
- Cristian Romero — Tottenham Hotspur
- Nicolás Tagliafico — Olympique Lyonnais
- Facundo Medina — RC Lens
Midfielders
- Giovani Lo Celso — Real Betis
- Leandro Paredes — AS Roma
- Rodrigo De Paul — Atlético Madrid
- Exequiel Palacios — Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Enzo Fernández — Chelsea F.C.
- Alexis Mac Allister — Liverpool
- Valentín Barco — Brighton & Hove Albion
Forwards
- Lionel Messi — Inter Miami
- Nicolás González — Juventus
- Giuliano Simeone — Atlético Madrid
- Lautaro Martínez — Inter Milan
- José Manuel López — SE Palmeiras
- Julián Álvarez — Atlético Madrid
- Thiago Almada — Olympique Lyonnais
- Nico Paz — Como 1907
With Scaloni maintaining the winning foundation that conquered the world in Qatar, Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying both expectation and belief.
The mission is now clear for La Albiceleste — defend the crown and cement their place among football’s greatest dynasties.
Credit Photo : AFA
