Argentina arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champions and the world's top-ranked team.
Lionel Scaloni's side will be looking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup trophy after topping the CONMEBOL qualifying standings.
The Albiceleste head into the tournament in good form, having completed their preparations with a comfortable 3-0 win over Iceland.
Scaloni has largely kept faith with the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar, retaining 17 players from the 2022 World Cup-winning team.
Captain Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina once again, while a new generation of talent, including midfielder Nico Paz, adds fresh energy to an already experienced squad.
Argentina 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures & Schedule
Argentina have been placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
| Match | Date (EDT) | Kick-off Time (EDT) |
|---|---|---|
Argentina vs Algeria |
June 16, 2026 |
9:00 PM EDT |
Argentina vs Austria |
June 22, 2026 |
1:00 PM EDT |
Argentina vs Jordan |
June 27, 2026 |
10:00 PM EDT |
Argentina 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a squad that blends experienced veterans with emerging talent.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has once again placed his trust in a core group that includes captain Lionel Messi, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Cristian Romero and midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul.
Goalkeepers
- Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
- Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)
- Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)
Defenders
- Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille)
- Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
- Facundo Medina (Marseille)
- Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
- Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate)
- Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)
- Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders
- Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)
- Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami)
- Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
- Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
- Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors)
Forwards
- Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid)
- Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
- Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid)
- Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Nicolas Paz (Como)
- Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid)
