#argentina
9 2026 FIFA World Cup articles tagged "argentina" — latest news, analysis and in-depth coverage.
Schedule & FixturesWorld Cup 2026 Qualifiers Closed: 6 South Americans In, Bolivia Out vs. Iraq — Who Is the Real Favorite With 35 Days to Go?
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers closed on March 31, 2026 with Iraq's 2-1 victory over Bolivia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara — the final qualifying match of a two-and-a-half-year cycle. Six South American sides are going to the World Cup: Argentina (defending champions), Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia,...
Team SpotlightsWorld Cup 2026: Argentina Defends the Crown in Messi's Last Dance, with All of South America Behind
Argentina arrives as back-to-back champions with Messi confirmed for his final tournament. Brazil rebuilds under Ancelotti, Uruguay's golden generation gets one last shot, and four more South American sides complete the continent's strongest World Cup contingent ever.
World Cup HistoryJune 22, 1986, Mexico, 15:06: Maradona rewrote the World Cup in 4 minutes, a feat unmatched 40 years later.
June 22, 1986, Mexico City, Azteca Stadium. Afternoon, temperature 26°C, altitude 2200 meters.
![[Team Focus] 38-Year-Old Messi and the Uncertain "Last Tango": Argentina's Road to Retaining the Title, Captain Still Hesitant](/images/news/messi-last-world-cup.webp)
Team Spotlights[Team Focus] 38-Year-Old Messi and the Uncertain "Last Tango": Argentina's Road to Retaining the Title, Captain Still Hesitant
With only 52 days left until the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, whether [Lionel Messi](/en/team/argentina/player/lionel-messi/), the "star player" of the defending champion Argentina team, will appear on the tournament roster remains an officially unanswered question.
Team SpotlightsIs Messi Playing in the World Cup 2026? Everything We Know
At 38 and playing in MLS, [Lionel Messi](/en/team/argentina/player/lionel-messi/) has confirmed this will be his last World Cup — but questions remain about his fitness, role and minutes.
Team SpotlightsMessi's Last Dance: Can Argentina Defend Their Crown?
Doha's coronation still echoes, but at 38 Messi has confirmed this is his last World Cup. How the staff manages his minutes — and who shoulders creation duties — will decide how far the Albiceleste go.
Team SpotlightsGroup A Tactical Preview: Argentina, USA, Brazil — Who Survives?
Four teams, two (plus a best-third) advance. Group A might be the toughest pool of the group stage. We break down formations, key players and weak points for all four sides.
World Cup HistoryArgentina's Three Stars — From Kempes to Maradona to Messi
Three World Cup titles, three generations of genius. How the Albiceleste built a dynasty around totemic number 10s.
Team SpotlightsArgentina's Title Defence — From Messi's Era to the Next Generation
After Qatar, how does Argentina retain the trophy in North America? A look at the key players and likely changes.