Key pieces in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup winning squad have been named in the team that will compete in the 2026 World Cup with captain Lionel Messi headlining the group. (Scroll down to view full list)
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni named his squad on Thursday, May 28 as they prepare to defend their title with games scheduled against Algeria, Jordan and Austria in Group J. Argentina beat France on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup and the country’s third overall.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez retained their place in the team while young standout performers in the 2025-2026 Season Nico Paz of FC Como and Valentin Barco of Strasbourg made the cut.
However, Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono was not included in the squad marking another big blow to Real Madrid who had no Spanish player from the team included in Spain’s World Cup setup.
After a poor campaign in his debut season at Chelsea, Alejandro Garnacho was not called up for the World Cup.
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was also overlooked in the wake of his much publicised involvement in an alleged racist attack on Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during a UEFA Champions League game.
Prestianni was handed a one match provisional ban despite maintaining that he was never racist towards anyone.
