2026 World Cup: Players Who Are Almost Certain to Be in Argentina's Squad

With just five months remaining before the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defending champions Argentina are once again being considered among the top favorites. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, La Albiceleste ended a 36-year title drought by defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout. Determined to defend the crown, head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to field an even sharper and more battle-ready squad this time around.

Although Ángel Di María, one of Argentina’s standout performers in the previous World Cup, has retired from international football, most of the stars from the title-winning team are expected to feature again at the USA–Canada–Mexico World Cup. As a result, the shape of Argentina’s next World Cup squad has already begun to take form.

Renowned Argentine sports journalist Gastón Edul has put together a probable World Cup squad based on player performances and Scaloni’s tactical preferences. While injuries, fluctuations in form, or the emergence of young talents could still lead to changes, Edul has prepared a preliminary list of 26 players reflecting the current situation.

Argentina have been placed in Group J at the 2026 World Cup. They will open their campaign on 16 June against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, USA. Their second group match will be on 22 June against Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, followed by their final group match against Jordan at the same venue on 27 June.