With the 2026 FIFA World Cup still several months away, discussions around Argentinaβs squad have intensified, and a near-final list is expected to be announced soon.
According to Argentina outlet TyC Sports, head coach Lionel Scaloni has already prepared a provisional 26-man list, with 20 players virtually confirmed. The remaining spots are set to be decided after final evaluations in the coming months.
Argentina will compete in Group J, playing all group-stage matches in the United States. The defending champions will open their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, before facing Austria in Dallas on June 22 and Jordan at the same venue on June 27.
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Argentinaβs Core Squad Almost Locked In
In goal, Emiliano MartΓnez remains the undisputed first choice, with GerΓ³nimo Rulli expected to serve as his deputy. The defensive unit is built around familiar names such as Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, NicolΓ‘s Otamendi, Lisandro MartΓnez, and NicolΓ‘s Tagliafico.
Scaloniβs trusted midfield group includes Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo FernΓ‘ndez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giovani Lo Celso, while Giuliano Simeone and emerging talent NicolΓ‘s Paz have strengthened their chances with recent performances.
The attacking line is led by Lionel Messi, whose participation is expected if he chooses to continue. He is set to be joined by Lautaro MartΓnez, JuliΓ‘n Γlvarez, NicolΓ‘s GonzΓ‘lez, and Thiago Almada.
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Fierce Battle for Final Spots
Competition remains intense for the final six places. Walter BenΓtez is leading the race for the third goalkeeper role. In defence, Juan Foyth, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, and Marcos Senesi are all under consideration, while Marcos AcuΓ±a currently edges ahead of youngster ValentΓn Barco due to experience.
In midfield, Exequiel Palacios and teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono are battling for inclusion, while JosΓ© Manuel LΓ³pez is in contention for the final attacking slot.
Several high-profile names appear unlikely to cut at this stage. Paulo Dybala has reportedly fallen out of favour due to injury concerns and inconsistency, while MatΓas SoulΓ©, Alan Varela, and Facundo Cambeses are also outside current plans. Young talents such as Claudio Echeverri, ValentΓn Carboni, and ValentΓn GΓ³mez still need to prove themselves.
Alejandro Garnacho remains a question mark despite club-level exposure, while Γngel Correa has yet to cement a permanent role.
With time still on Scaloniβs side, Argentinaβs final 2026 World Cup squad remains open to changeβbut the core is already firmly established.
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