Argentina Confirm 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup as Messi Leads Title Defence

Argentina have officially announced their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Lionel Messi set to lead the defending champions in North America.

Coach Lionel Scaloni unveiled the squad on May 28, 2026, retaining the core group that won the 2022 World Cup while making selective additions from a new generation of talent.

Argentina are placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. They begin their campaign on June 16, 2026, against Algeria in Kansas City.

Squad Overview:

The squad keeps the backbone of the Qatar 2022-winning team, with Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez all included.

Messi headlines the squad as he prepares for what could be his final World Cup appearance.

Key Inclusions:

Nico Paz

Valentín Barco

Thiago Almada

Giuliano Simeone

José Manuel López

Giovani Lo Celso (returns to tournament squad)

**Notable Omissions**:

Several well-known names missed out on the final selection, including:

Ángel Di María (retired)

Alejandro Garnacho (not selected)

Franco Mastantuono (left out)

Marcos Senesi (not selected)

Nicolás González (left out in final cut in some confirmed reports)

Marcos Acuña (fitness-related omission)

**Argentina** enter the World Cup as one of the favourites, aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the trophy successfully.