Argentina
Argentina (ARG) have been drawn in Group J for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Algeria, Austria, Jordan. Head coach Lionel Scaloni leads the squad. Ranked #1 by FIFA, the team have made 18 World Cup appearance(s) and won the tournament 3 time(s). Their opening match is on June 17 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
Lionel Scaloni
ARLionel Sebastián Scaloni (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel seβasˈtjan eskaˈloni], Rioplatense: [ehkaˈloni], Italian: [skaˈloni]; born 16 May 1978) is an Argentine professional football manager and former player who is the current head coach of the Argentina national team. Scaloni is regarded as one of the best men’s national coaches in the world. Born in Pujato, Santa Fe, Scaloni debuted as a player for Newell's Old Boys in 1995. He spent most of his professional career in Spain, mainly at Deportivo de La Coruña, where he won the 1999–2000 Spanish league title and the 2001–02 Copa del Rey. A versatile player, he operated as a right-back or right midfielder.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup Champion
- 2024 Copa América Champion
- 2021 Copa América Champion
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GK Marseille goalkeeper and Argentina's third-choice keeper. Currently plying his trade at Marseille, a commanding presence between the posts, Gerónimo Rulli is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Argentina. Has earned 15 international caps. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
GK Aston Villa first-choice keeper and 2022 World Cup Golden Glove winner. Currently plying his trade at Aston Villa, a commanding presence between the posts, Emiliano Martínez is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Argentina. Has earned 60 international caps, making him one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the squad. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
GK Atlético Madrid goalkeeper and a reliable presence between the posts for Argentina. Currently at Atlético Madrid, Juan Musso is known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence in the box, providing a dependable option for Argentina's defence. Has earned approximately 30 international caps. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DF Lyon left-back and a regular in the Argentina squad. Currently plying his trade at Lyon, a dependable defender, Nicolás Tagliafico combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Argentina's backline. Has earned 55 international caps, scoring 3 goals, building significant international experience. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
DF Sevilla right-back who scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup Final. Currently plying his trade at River Plate, a dependable defender, Gonzalo Montiel combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Argentina's backline. Has earned 30 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
DF Manchester United centre-back nicknamed "The Butcher" for his aggressive defending. Currently plying his trade at Manchester United, a dependable defender, Lisandro Martínez combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Argentina's backline. Has earned 30 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
DF Tottenham centre-back and a pillar of Argentina's defence. Currently plying his trade at Tottenham Hotspur, a dependable defender, Cristian Romero combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Argentina's backline. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
DF Benfica centre-back and a member of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Currently plying his trade at Benfica, a dependable defender, Nicolás Otamendi combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Argentina's backline. Has earned 115 international caps, scoring 5 goals, making him one of the most senior figures in the squad. Born in 1988, the 38-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
DF Atlético Madrid right-back who played a key role at the 2022 World Cup. Currently plying his trade at Atlético Madrid, a dependable defender, Nahuel Molina combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Argentina's backline. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
DF Olympique de Marseille defender (on loan from Lens) and a versatile left-footed option in Argentina's backline. Currently at Marseille, Facundo Medina is known for his passing ability and defensive versatility, capable of playing centre-back or left-back. Has earned approximately 8 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DF Olympique de Marseille centre-back and an emerging force in Argentina's defence. Currently at Marseille, Leonardo Balerdi is known for his aerial dominance and decisive tackling, providing a solid option at the heart of Argentina's backline. Has earned approximately 10 international caps. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MF Roma midfielder and a core member of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph. Currently plying his trade at Roma, an industrious midfielder, Leandro Paredes excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Argentina. Has earned 65 international caps, scoring 4 goals, building significant international experience. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
MF Atlético Madrid midfielder and an indispensable part of Argentina's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Atlético Madrid, an industrious midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Argentina. Has earned 70 international caps, scoring 4 goals, building significant international experience. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
MF Bayer Leverkusen midfielder and a rising force in Argentina's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, an industrious midfielder, Exequiel Palacios excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Argentina. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
MF Botafogo midfielder and a member of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Currently plying his trade at Botafogo, an industrious midfielder, Thiago Almada excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Argentina. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
MF Real Betis midfielder and a versatile option in Argentina's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Real Betis, an industrious midfielder, Giovani Lo Celso excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Argentina. Has earned 55 international caps, scoring 6 goals, building significant international experience. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
MF Liverpool midfielder and a member of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Currently plying his trade at Liverpool, an industrious midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Argentina. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 5 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
MF Chelsea midfielder and 2022 World Cup Best Young Player. Currently plying his trade at Chelsea, an industrious midfielder, Enzo Fernández excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Argentina. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 5 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
MF RC Strasbourg midfielder (on loan from Brighton) and one of the youngest players in Argentina's squad. Currently at Strasbourg, Valentín Barco is known for his dribbling ability and dynamic runs from the left, bringing fresh energy to Argentina's midfield. Has earned approximately 5 international caps. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FW Atlético Madrid striker who scored crucial goals at the 2022 World Cup. Currently plying his trade at Atlético Madrid, a clinical forward, Julián Álvarez possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Argentina's primary attacking threat. Has earned 45 international caps, scoring 12 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
FW Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, 2022 World Cup champion, and one of the greatest players in history. Currently plying his trade at Inter Miami, a clinical forward, Lionel Messi possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Argentina's primary attacking threat. Has earned 187 international caps, scoring 109 goals — a remarkable scoring rate. Born in 1987, the 38-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
FW Juventus winger and a valuable attacking option for Argentina. Currently plying his trade at Juventus, a clinical forward, Nicolás González possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Argentina's primary attacking threat. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 7 goals. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
FW Inter Milan striker who scored the winner in the 2024 Copa América Final. Currently plying his trade at Inter Milan, a clinical forward, Lautaro Martínez possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Argentina's primary attacking threat. Has earned 60 international caps, scoring 28 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic moment for the nation.
FW Atlético Madrid forward and son of legendary manager Diego Simeone. Currently at Atlético Madrid, Giuliano Simeone is known for his pace, intelligent movement off the ball, and relentless work rate, showing immense potential in attack. Has earned approximately 3 international caps. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FW SE Palmeiras forward and a potent addition to Argentina's attack. Currently at Palmeiras, José Manuel López is known for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, having proven his goalscoring ability in South American football. Has earned approximately 3 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FW Como 1907 forward who holds dual Argentine-Spanish nationality but chose to represent Argentina. Currently at Como, Nico Paz is known for his exceptional technical ability and creativity in the final third, capable of unlocking defences with his vision and dribbling. Has earned approximately 5 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group J
GROUP RIVALS — Group J
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FAQ
- What group is Argentina in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Argentina are in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, Jordan.
- Who is the head coach of Argentina?
- The head coach of Argentina is Lionel Scaloni.
- When is Argentina's first World Cup match?
- June 17, 2026 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.
- What is Argentina's best World Cup finish?
- Argentina's best result is Champion, with 18 total appearances.