Argentina arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as reigning champions, and manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed his 26-man squad for the tournament across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Captain Lionel Messi headlines a group that blends the core of the 2022 title win with a fresh wave of talent, and Argentina begin their campaign in Group J alongside Austria, Algeria, and Jordan.
This guide lists the full confirmed 26-man Argentina roster by position, a look at the tactical roles, and a projected starting XI for the group opener. You can also download a free printable one-page version of the squad using the button below.
2026 Argentina World Cup Roster
Scaloni kept faith with the spine of his World Cup winners while rewarding the form players of the 2025-26 season. The list below is the official 26 confirmed for the tournament. The one authoritative source for this squad is the official FIFA Argentina squad announcement.
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| Manager | Lionel Scaloni |
| Captain | Lionel Messi |
| Confirmed squad | 26 players |
| Group | Group J |
| Group opponents | Austria, Algeria, Jordan |
| Announced | May 28, 2026 |
Argentina Roster Position Breakdown & Tactical Roles
Goalkeepers
- Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa
- Gerónimo Rulli – Marseille
- Juan Musso – Atlético Madrid
Defenders
- Nahuel Molina – Atlético Madrid
- Gonzalo Montiel – River Plate
- Nicolás Tagliafico – Lyon
- Lisandro Martínez – Manchester United
- Cristian Romero – Tottenham
- Nicolás Otamendi – Benfica
- Leonardo Balerdi – Marseille
- Facundo Medina – Marseille
Midfielders
- Leandro Paredes – Boca Juniors
- Rodrigo De Paul – Inter Miami
- Valentín Barco – Strasbourg
- Giovani Lo Celso – Real Betis
- Exequiel Palacios – Bayer Leverkusen
- Enzo Fernández – Chelsea
- Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool
Forwards / Attackers
- Lionel Messi (C) – Inter Miami
- Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan
- Julián Álvarez – Atlético Madrid
- Nicolás González – Atlético Madrid
- Thiago Almada – Atlético Madrid
- Giuliano Simeone – Atlético Madrid
- Nico Paz – Como
- José Manuel López – Palmeiras
Predicted Argentina Starting XI: Group Stage Opener
The lineup below is one likely setup in a 4-3-3 for the opening match. It is a projection based on recent team selection and current form, not an official team sheet.
Predicted Lineup Layout
- GK: Emiliano Martínez
- DEF: Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico
- MID: De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister
- FWD: Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Argentina World Cup Roster
Is this the final Argentina World Cup roster?
Yes. Lionel Scaloni named the final 26-man squad on May 28, 2026, and it is the list Argentina will take into the group stage. Squad changes are permitted only in the event of a serious injury before the team’s opening match.
Where can I track the full tournament brackets?
You can follow every round with our free printable 2026 World Cup bracket, and build your own picks with the Custom Bracket Maker.
Who does Argentina play in the group stage?
Argentina play in Group J alongside Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. You can view the full Argentina match schedule, with dates, venues, and kickoff times, on our 2026 Argentina World Cup schedule page.
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