Argentina squad World Cup 2026: Which players will make it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

Barring any surprises, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in goal for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Martinez has played a crucial role in Argentina’s recent success, delivering match-winning performances in both their Copa America and World Cup triumphs. He is nearly unbeatable in penalty shootouts, using mind games that can shake even the best strikers at the biggest moments.

Geronimo Rulli of Marseille is expected to serve as the backup goalkeeper in the squad, with former PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez likely to complete the group of goalkeepers, even if Juan Musso will not have given up hope of making it just yet.

The Argentines are well covered in the defensive department, with numerous quality options in every position. The center-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez is arguably among the best in the world, with both players leading the backline and defending with aggression and composure.

Meanwhile, the experienced Nicolas Otamendi remains a reliable choice for Lionel Scaloni’s side as well, while World Cup-winning penalty scorer Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina are strong options off the bench, providing valuable depth and flexibility in case of injuries.

Promising youngsters such as Valentin Barco, Julio Soler and Mariano Troilo will also be hoping to make the cut, but have their work cut out to break into the final roster.

Alongside a strong defense, the Albiceleste are also well equipped in midfield. Scaloni will have a blend of experienced players and exciting young talents to choose from for the 2026 World Cup.

The likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Leandro Paredes played key roles in Argentina’s 2022 triumph and remain vital figures in the squad.

Emerging talents such as Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri have been performing brilliantly for their respective clubs and could offer fresh options for Scaloni heading into the tournament, while someone like Thiago Almada has also impressed in Scaloni’s system and could play a significant role to play at the World Cup next year.

Argentina are also well stacked in attack. In fact, it is in the attacking department where the Albiceleste are arguably at their strongest. Led by none other than Lionel Messi, fans will be hoping for yet another magical campaign from the legendary number 10.

Messi is well supported in attack by the likes of Julian Alvarez, who played a key role in the 2022 triumph, while Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has also been at the peak of his game, playing an important role for both his club and the national team. Martinez was the top scorer of the 2024 Copa America, even netting the winner in the final against Colombia.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s son, Giuliano Simeone, has also been impressive for the world champions and could emerge as a potential option to start at the World Cup.

They will be without the legendary Angel Di Maria though, who announced his retirement after their 2024 Copa America title victory.

Argentina is home to some of the most exciting talents in world football and has produced several top players in recent years. One such star is Julian Alvarez, who has been a menace in European football. Now at Atletico Madrid, Alvarez has become a key player under Diego Simeone and will carry high hopes on his shoulders for Albiceleste fans at next year’s tournament.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo De Paul is another player who has been instrumental in Argentina’s recent success. He will once again be an important asset for Lionel Scaloni’s side at the World Cup.

In defense, Argentina are stacked with leaders, none more important than Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine goalkeeper’s presence between the sticks has been vital in their title-winning campaigns, especially when it comes to penalty shootouts. The center-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez will also play a crucial role for the reigning world champions.

Lastly, no list of Argentina’s star players would be complete without mentioning the magical Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami and former PSG and Barcelona star will be almost 39 by the time the World Cup kicks off and may be playing in his final major tournament with Argentina. Having already won the competition in 2022, Messi remains determined to keep pushing his limits and still has the ability to change games single-handedly. The iconic number 10 will once again be a decisive figure in Argentina’s journey at the showpiece event next year.

Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada are two more players who could have a huge say in Lionel Scaloni's team, especially since the retirement of Angel Di Maria.

At the back, Scaloni's first-choice goalkeeper is undoubtedly going to be Emiliano Martinez. Martinez has simply outclassed every other player in his position and currently has no real competition from other keepers.

In defense, Scaloni has preferred a four-man backline and has consistently started the center-back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, with Nicolas Otamendi coming off the bench and Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille as another option.

In the wider areas, Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico are Scaloni’s preferred choices and are expected to start once again.

Meanwhile, the midfield and forward lines will be a rather interesting domain for the world champions. Rodrigo De Paul is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who is another undroppable player in Scaloni’s system. The third midfield spot will be closely contested, as both Thiago Almada and Enzo Fernandez have made strong cases. Enzo played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 triumph, while Almada has been hugely impressive under Scaloni in recent months. As it stands, Fernandez could edge his way into the starting XI.

Up front, Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez are expected to be undisputed starters, while Lautaro Martinez will be confident of making the starting line-up as well.

Predicted Argentina starting XI (4-3-3): Emi Martinez; Molina, Lisandro, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Lautaro, Alvarez