Returning to the World Cup as the reigning champions, the South Americans aim to become the first team to go back-to-back in 64 years.
Argentina and Lionel Messi achieved their ultimate goal of winning the FIFA men’s World Cup four years ago.
The nation’s third triumph ended a 36-year wait for a third star on their jersey and brought Olympic gold medallist Messi the one remaining accolade of his career.
Argentina aim to become the first back-to-back male world champions since Brazil in 1962. However, recent history is against them; three of the last four defending champions were eliminated in the group stage.
La Albiceleste have been drawn into Group J with World Cup debutants Jordan, two-time African champions Algeria and Austria, making their first tournament appearance of the 21st century.
Quick facts
- Captain: Lionel Messi
- Manager: Lionel Scaloni
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 19
- Best World Cup result: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Argentina’s final squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (SL Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atlético de Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Internazionale), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid)