Argentina World Cup 2026: Squad, Fixtures, Results & History
Argentina are competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, Jordan. Here is everything you need to know about Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
Argentina World Cup 2026: Key Facts
| Confederation | CONMEBOL |
| FIFA Ranking | #3 |
| Group | Group J |
| Group Opponents | Algeria, Austria, Jordan |
| Head Coach | Lionel Scaloni |
| Star Player | Lionel Messi |
| World Cup Appearances | 18 |
| Best Result | Winners (1978, 1986, 2022) |
Argentina 2026 World Cup Squad
Argentina named their 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on June 2, 2026.
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Walter Benítez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Germán Pezzella, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Marcos Acuña, Nicolás Otamendi
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Paulo Dybala, Ángel Di María, Alejandro Garnacho
Argentina World Cup 2026 Fixtures
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| June 14 | Argentina vs Algeria | TBC |
| June 19 | Argentina vs Austria | TBC |
| June 24 | Argentina vs Jordan | TBC |
Key Players to Watch
Lionel Messi
The greatest player of all time makes one final World Cup appearance at 38 years old. Messi won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to complete his legacy. At World Cup 2026 he will be the most watched player on the planet as fans witness what could be his last World Cup match.
Julián Álvarez
The Manchester City striker was outstanding at the 2022 World Cup and has grown into one of the best forwards in the world. Álvarez is expected to lead Argentina’s attack alongside Messi.
Enzo Fernández
The Chelsea midfielder controls Argentina’s tempo from deep. His energy, passing range and defensive work rate make him one of the most important players in the squad.
Argentina World Cup History
Argentina are World Cup royalty. They have won the tournament three times — in 1978 on home soil, 1986 in Mexico led by Diego Maradona, and most recently in 2022 in Qatar. Their 2022 triumph, led by Lionel Messi, ended a 36-year wait and is considered one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played. Argentina defeated France on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw. They have appeared at 18 World Cups and are one of only eight nations to have won the tournament.
How Did Argentina Qualify for World Cup 2026?
Argentina qualified through CONMEBOL South American qualifying, finishing second in the 10-team round robin behind Brazil. As defending World Cup champions they entered the tournament with enormous confidence.
Argentina World Cup 2026 Prediction
Argentina are among the top three favourites to win World Cup 2026. Defending champions with Messi, Álvarez and a world-class squad, they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles. Group J is very manageable and Argentina should qualify comfortably for the knockout rounds.
Follow this page for live match updates, results and news on Argentina at World Cup 2026. Last updated: June 6, 2026.
