Argentina Squad

Argentina World Cup 2026 squad, roster, and players to watch.

Argentina arrive with a roster that still carries Messi but no longer depends on nostalgia alone. Scaloni has enough midfield control and front-line variation to make another deep run realistic.

Published June 11, 2026Group J26-player roster

Back to Argentina hub Argentina-color scarf

Argentina country-color satin fan scarf on a white background

Head coachLionel Scaloni

Squad statusNamed May 28, 2026

First group matchJune 16, 2026 vs Algeria

GroupGroup J

Argentina roster and player list

Goalkeepers

Juan Musso
Geronimo Rulli
Emiliano Martinez

Defenders

Leonardo Balerdi
Nicolas Tagliafico
Gonzalo Montiel
Lisandro Martinez
Cristian Romero
Nicolas Otamendi
Facundo Medina
Nahuel Molina

Midfielders

Leandro Paredes
Rodrigo de Paul
Valentin Barco
Giovani Lo Celso
Ezequiel Palacios
Alexis Mac Allister
Enzo Fernandez

Forwards

Julian Alvarez
Lionel Messi
Nicolas Gonzalez
Thiago Almada
Giuliano Simeone
Nico Paz
Jose Manuel Lopez
Lautaro Martinez

What this Argentina squad says about the team

Roster angle

Argentina's current shape

The roster matters because it shows Argentina still trust their possession-and-control identity while gradually handing more running power to the next wave around Messi.

Big question

What still needs answering

Can Argentina preserve the same authority in midfield and at center-back while managing the physical demands that come with another long tournament run?

Players to watch in the Argentina squad

Captain pulse

Lionel Messi | Free creator

Messi is no longer the entire structure, but he still dictates the emotional and technical center of Argentina's attack. Watch tempo control, final passes and dead-ball quality.

Front-line runner

Julian Alvarez | Pressing forward

Alvarez gives Argentina the legs and off-ball intensity that keep the front line alive around Messi. Watch pressing angles and diagonal runs behind the line.

Midfield controller

Enzo Fernandez | Progressive passer

Fernandez helps Argentina keep their rhythm clean when matches slow down and become more tactical. Watch line-breaking passes and circulation speed.

How this Argentina roster is built

Messi is still the headline, but this squad has a much broader attacking spread than the public conversation usually gives it credit for.
The centre-back group remains one of the team's foundations, with Romero, Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez giving Argentina bite and control.
Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and De Paul still define the rhythm of the side, especially in games where Argentina want to starve opponents of the ball.
The newer wave, including Nico Paz and Giuliano Simeone, gives the squad some fresh legs without forcing Scaloni to abandon the identity that won in Qatar.

Back to Argentina hub Browse Argentina-color cape options Browse Argentina-color caps

Argentina squad questions fans ask

FAQ

Is the Argentina squad finalized for World Cup 2026?

The current squad status is Named May 28, 2026, and that is the roster reference this page is built from.

FAQ

Which Argentina players are the main names to watch?

Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez are among the first names readers check because they carry so much of Argentina's tactical identity and tournament ceiling.

FAQ

What is the biggest roster question for Argentina?