Argentina retain World Cup-winning core
The Argentina national team announced their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins in two weeks.
The defending champions retained the core of their last triumphant campaign in Qatar and added several new faces set to make their tournament debut.
Scaloni's side will face Algeria, Jordan, and Austria in the group stage of the tournament with the aim to defend the title for the first time in Argentine history.
Argentine head coach Scaloni omitted some players who are highly regarded in Europe with their recent performances, including Marco Senesi and Emiliano Buendía, which sparked debates among fans.
Scaloni names experienced defensive unit
The list of defenders in the Argentine squad includes veteran Nicolas Otamendi, Cuti Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Leonardo Balerdi in center-back roles.
Several defenders in the squad played crucial roles in conquering the World Cup campaign in the winter of 2022.
Nahuel Molina, Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, and Facundo Medina complete the list of fullbacks in Scaloni's squad, with Acuña left out of the team.
Midfield stars return for title defence
In the last campaign, the Argentine midfield pulled out a stellar performance that surpassed the expectations of everyone, which eventually led the team into the third World Cup in their history.
Stars of the last World Cup campaign, Enzo Fernández, Macalister, Paredes, and Rodrigo De Paul will form the core of Argentina's midfield in this edition along with Giovani Lo Celso, who missed the last World Cup due to injury; Palacios; and versatile talent Valentín Barco.
Messi set for sixth World Cup appearance
Lionel Messi, the only player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice, will lead the attack of Argentina in the 6th World Cup of his career. Messi pioneered the last victorious campaign with two goals in the final and a beautiful opener in the penalty shootout despite the pressure.
Alongside Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Nico González, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, and José Manuel López provide Argentina with a blend of experience, creativity, and attacking depth.
Fitness concerns remain before tournament
The squad combines proven World Cup winners with young players like Valentine Barco, Nico Paz, and Balendri, who could play important roles during the tournament.
The Argentine Football Federation stated that there is a possibility of changes in the squad since several players arrived at the national team camp carrying fitness issues and discomforts.