With just over five months to go until the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni faces one of the most important decisions of his cycle: defining the final list of 26 players who will attempt to defend Argentina’s title.
According to Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, while many things can still change — injuries, dips in form, or the emergence of new talents — the current landscape already allows for a first draft of how the squad could look heading into the tournament. This is not a final prediction, but rather a snapshot of the present.
Argentina will compete in Group J at the World Cup. Their schedule is already set:
- June 16 vs. Algeria (Kansas City Stadium)
- June 22 vs. Austria (Dallas Stadium)
- June 27 vs. Jordan (Dallas Stadium)
Edul divides the player pool into clear categories based on current form, standing with the coaching staff, and recent performances.
The Confirmed Core (20 players)
These are the players Edul considers virtual locks for the World Cup, barring any unexpected issues.
Goalkeepers
- Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez – The undisputed No. 1, a key figure in Argentina’s recent titles.
- Gerónimo Rulli – A consistent presence throughout the Scaloni era and trusted by the staff.
Defenders
- Nahuel Molina – First-choice right-back since Qatar.
- Gonzalo Montiel – A reliable alternative who has played an important role in the cycle.
- Cristian Romero – One of the top center-backs in world football.
- Nicolás Otamendi – Still a leader, highly respected within the group.
- Lisandro Martínez – A left-footed defender who is a starter when fully fit.
- Nicolás Tagliafico – Consistent and dependable on the left side.
Midfielders
- Rodrigo De Paul – The engine of the midfield and a pillar of the team’s identity.
- Leandro Paredes – Part of the core group, with strong backing from the coaching staff.
- Enzo Fernández – Brings energy, technique, and balance; a regular starter.
- Alexis Mac Allister – Versatile and fully established at the European elite level.
- Giovani Lo Celso – A direct option for the starting XI when healthy.
- Giuliano Simeone – Highly rated for his physical profile and European-style intensity.
- Nicolás Paz – Seen as a strong bet for the future and well regarded internally.
Forwards
- Lionel Messi – If he chooses to be there, his place is guaranteed.
- Lautaro Martínez – The top scorer of the Scaloni era.
- Julián Álvarez – One of the most complete players in the squad.
- Nicolás González – Valuable on the left, offering work rate and physical presence.
- Thiago Almada – Part of the Qatar 2022 squad and a regular call-up with high upside.
On Track for the Final Spots (Players 21–26)
These players are either well positioned or directly competing for the last places on the list.
- Walter Benítez – Leading candidate to be the third goalkeeper.
- Juan Foyth – Valued for his versatility if he stays healthy.
- Leonardo Balerdi – In good form in Europe.
- Facundo Medina / Marcos Senesi – Competing for a spot as a left-sided defender.
- Marcos Acuña – Experience could give him the edge if physically fit.
- Valentín Barco – Young and versatile, gaining ground but still competing with Acuña.
- Exequiel Palacios – Familiar to the staff, with fitness and continuity as key factors.
- Franco Mastantuono – Considered a high-upside bet for the future.
- José Manuel López – A goal-scoring option with real chances to make the squad.
On the Outside Looking In
Edul also points out a group of players who currently sit far from serious consideration. In some cases, like Paulo Dybala, injuries and lack of continuity have been decisive factors. Others, such as Matías Soulé or Joaquín Panichelli, still need to establish themselves at the highest level.
There are also young talents with projection — Claudio Echeverri, Valentín Carboni, Valentín Gómez, and Equi Fernández — who may be more relevant in future cycles. The situation of Alejandro Garnacho is described as particular: despite playing for a top club, he has yet to find the consistency needed to truly enter the discussion.
Article based on a report by Argentine journalist Gastón Edul.
Dibu
Rulli
3rd
Cuti
Licha
Tagli
Ota
Senesi
Balerdi
Foyth
Molina ( would prefer Giay at this point )
Enzo
Mac
Paredes
Rdp ( will be surely selected by Scaloni )
Paz
Giuliano
Barco
N. Dominguez/ Perrone/ Varela/ Barrenechea / …?
Messi
Julian
Toro
N.Gonzalez
Almada
Soule
Garnacho
Forgot about Lo Celso who Scaloni most likely to favor if he is fit..? So maybe no chance for N.Dominguez, Perrone, Varela, Barrenechea etc..?
You forgot Equi Fernandez, maximo perrone. Alot will change as far as the midfield option is concerned.
The team is well sorted. My only concern with Argentina NT is fullbacks, Tagliafico is fine in LB, but molina is out of form and should not be even as a starter, Scaloni needs to fix RB otherwise our RB weakness will get exposed in WC.
Respect for Gaston Edul, but let’s hope he is not completely right this time. It is basically the same squad as in 2022 while quite a few players are not really at top international level anymore.
Molina is often a sub at Atletico Madrid. Check the CL game against PSV Eindhoven. He was outplayed time and again. A liability.
We thank Montiel for scoring the winning penalty, but what has he done in the past 2 years to deserve a spot in the team?
Acuna is still a candidate? Based on what?
Mastantuono was given plenty of playing time early in the season but failed to make an impression. No goals, no assists and losing ball possession over and over again. He is bench warmer now. Madrid fans consider him a flop and overhyped player.
Echeverri was great in our youth teams, but failed to make any impact at Man City and Bayer Leverkusen. Maybe in the future, but should certainly not be considered for WC 2026.
Defence
Edul does not mention that we need new blood at the back.
Balerdi, Senesi and Foyth should all be considered. Anselmino has not got a chance yet. Giay has been named on this website quite often, but is somehow ignored. Same for Bernabei. Lomonaco is a candidate, but has also not played at the NT yet.
Midfield
Assuming their good relationship with Messi, DePaul and Parades will join the team as well. Some new names good help them compete for their spot. Milton Delgado was easily the best player in the U20 WC squad. Great technique, good vision and hard worker. Should be in the squad. Varela is doing well at Porto. Deserves a chance in March to prove himself.
Palacios always struggles with injury. He always shows up in list, but that seems to be due to history not to current achievements.
Attack
Plenty of options. Given his form and goals, Soule should be in the team.
@ Roy and @ Osvaldo , could you please check why my comment is awaiting moderation?
It is visible by everyone now, I believe!
Thanks Osvaldo.
At this point, around 19 players are basically locked in, and the remaining spots are going to be fought over fitness!
GK (3)
Emi Martínez
Rulli
Third goalie?
Defense (9)
Locked in Cuti, Licha Otamendi Tagliafico Molina
Montiel.
CBs are solid and probably our strongest unit.
that said, fullbacks are easily our weakest area by far. I am really not sold on both Molina or Montiel.
For the remaining 3 spots, Foyth , Senesi, Balerdi Medina, a LB ?
Foyth has become a much more mature defender, but his fitness keeps going in the wrong direction. Dont be surprised if Scaloni goes with just one specialist LB , and N.Gonzalez as a back LWB.
Midfield (6)
Locked in, Mac Allister Enzo De Paul, Paredes
No surprises here. This is Scaloni core midfield.
For 5th & 6th who will Palacios and Locelso compete with ?
I had high hopes for Equi Fernendez, but honestly he has been disappointing so far. N.Domingez had a good season last year but not sure how he doing after coming back from injury.
Forwards (8)
Locked in, Messi, Julain, Lautaro, N.Gonzlez Nico Paz, G. Simeone , Almada
G. Simeone feels like a lock at this point. Scaloni clearly trusts him and he keeps getting called up consistently.
For the remaining 1 spot the competition is fierce. Garnacho vs Soùle vs Dybala vs Mastantuono
Garnacho gets a lot of criticism and yeah, his finishing can be garbage at times, but his positioning and pace are genuinely dangerous. He constantly finds space on the wing, pulls away from defenders, and once he’s running at you, things happen. Even with average dribbling, he somehow manages to get into the box.
Soule is the better playrer overall, a level above Garnacho. Better technique, better finishing, more composure.
Dybala has actually been really good this season. His stats don’t fully reflect how well he’s played, and fitness wise he is slightly better than the last two seasons but he has fallen behind many forwards now.
Mastantuono was probably close to being 100% selected before the injury , now I would say around 60% at best.
Excellent analysis
Garnacho, Barco and Senesi should be the 3 of the remaining 6 places.
To even consider players like Lopez or Mastantuono over Garnacho is blasphemy!!!
Garnacho is a player who can make a difference in extra time of a knockout game with his pace and goal scoring !!
Mastantuono Touch is still needing improvement and Lopez lol knock it off!!! Garnacho, Talent wise, it isnt close. I just wander if he is in the same boat as Icardi with off the field issues or attitude …
Sometimes I wonder if Diego Simeone is trying to sabotage the NT. Why sign players like Almada if they don’t fit your profile preference. Many of you will hate me for saying this, Almada should take the blame too; he had a chance to go to benfica or remain at Lyon but choose Spain. Perhaps that’s the reason why DePaul left the club( just speculating). I hope Senesi avoids this club.
What is the matter between Cuti romero & Spurs?
Balerdi is not left footed though. If he was, he would be even more important.
Hopefully Dybala can still make the tournament
Coming to the post regarding argentina’s potential squad for this world cup, I would like to say it’s disappointing to see what’s happening with garnacho, soule, carboni, giay, Redondo et al. They should have been ready by now. Many good teams like Brazil, France etc. have players who are shaking the world stage in their early 20s. But, at this point, we have very few names there. However, we have the WC. Therefore, although I would love to see some more young, fully developed, world class players in the squad to make it more perfect, I’m still optimistic about our performance in the upcoming world cup.
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