With two days remaining before the 2026 World Cup draw, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez shared his expectations for the tournament during “AFA as a Global Brand, The Power of a Brand,” an event organized by the AFA at Summit One in New York.
Speaking via video call from England, Martínez said the motivation to compete in another World Cup remains strong:
“Not only me—most players who have been to a World Cup feel that sensation in the stomach,” he said. “It’s hard to describe, but I’m more excited for this one than for the previous one.”
Martínez again underlined what representing Argentina means to him:
“Winning individual awards or titles with my club is like the cherry on top,” he said. “But the main part of my career has always been playing for the national team. When I play for Argentina, I feel the ball doesn’t go in. I have the whole country and my family behind me.”
The event was hosted by former Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea, who interviewed Martínez in front of more than 200 attendees connected to the sports industry.
Martínez also spoke about his physical level heading toward what could be his second World Cup:
“I have a privileged body; I can play again after two days,” he explained. “You have to play 60 matches as if there was no World Cup at the end of the season, because otherwise it’s difficult to perform at 100%.”
The goalkeeper is currently completing a solid season with Aston Villa, who sit fourth in the Premier League with 24 points. Villa have conceded 11 goals in 13 matches, the second-best defensive record in the competition, behind Arsenal.
