Argentina have announced their final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Lionel Messi set to lead the defending champions once again. The veteran forward is preparing for his sixth World Cup appearance, extending his national record.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has largely retained the squad that secured the title in Qatar in 2022, showing confidence in the experienced core that guided Argentina to glory four years ago.
A total of 17 members of the World Cup-winning squad have been included in the new roster. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Nicolas Otamendi, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez all return for another World Cup campaign.
However, a few familiar names are absent from the squad. Veteran winger Angel Di Maria was not considered after retiring from international football following the 2024 Copa America. Left-back Marcos Acuna also failed to make the final list because of fitness concerns.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has returned to the World Cup squad after missing the 2022 edition due to injury. He previously represented Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Scaloni has also introduced several promising young talents into the squad as part of Argentina’s next generation. Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz and Giuliano Simeone have all earned places in the final 26-man list.
Forwards Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are also set to play in the World Cup for the first time in their careers.
Argentina will begin their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Jordan and Austria in their remaining group-stage matches.
Argentina's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso.
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez.
Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez.
#From India Today