Doha, Qatar: Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup aiming to defend the title they won so memorably in Qatar four years ago, carrying the confidence of a team that has enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its football history.
La Albiceleste arrive as reigning world champions after lifting their third FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022. The triumph added to their previous titles in 1978 and 1986 and cemented their status among the sport’s greatest national teams.
Argentina have also strengthened their legacy in recent years by winning back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, extending their record haul in the competition to 16 championships.
Under head coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have built a squad that combines experience, talent and continuity.
Much of the core that conquered the world in Qatar remains intact, with captain Lionel Messi still leading the side, alongside key figures such as Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina’s most recent outing was a 2-0 victory over Honduras in a friendly on June 6, providing another positive result ahead of the tournament.
The South Americans have been drawn in Group J, where they will face Algeria, Austria and debutants Jordan. Their campaign begins against Algeria on June 17, with expectations high that they can advance deep into the competition.
Despite Argentina’s recent success, Scaloni has repeatedly warned against complacency and stressed the difficulty of defending a World Cup title.
“It will be a very complex and difficult World Cup. We have to prepare the players because what’s coming is going to be tough; you can’t always win,” the coach said.
Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, has emphasized the importance of managing his squad carefully throughout a demanding tournament schedule.
At the centre of attention once again will be Messi. The 38-year-old captain enters what could be his final World Cup, still determined to compete at the highest level.
“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” Messi said.
While Argentina are among the favourites, Messi believes several nations arrive in strong form and expects another highly competitive tournament. He highlighted France, Brazil and Portugal among the teams capable of challenging for the title, while also noting that surprises are always part of World Cup history.
The depth of Argentina’s squad provides further reason for optimism. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez remains one of the world’s best in his position, while defenders Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez offer leadership and experience at the back. In midfield, De Paul, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández continue to drive the team, while Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez provide a potent attacking threat alongside Messi.
Forward Julian Alvarez acknowledged the significance of what could be Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
“We’re all fully aware that this could well be Leo’s last World Cup,” Alvarez said. “It’ll certainly make for a special World Cup.”
