No injuries: Argentina’s likely World Cup squad if played tomorrow | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is just around the corner. There are less than four months left until Argentina’s National Team makes its debut, which will be on Tuesday, June 16 at 10 pm against Algeria in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan. Lionel Scaloni, who already knows where the team will be based, is far from having finalized the list of 26 called-up players. With several spots locked in, some players fighting for a place, and others injured, this is the current outlook.

If the World Cup were to start in the next few days and the coach had to decide on the squad right now, some names are already certain, while others are still hoping for their chance.

One of the clearest positions is that of goalkeeper. Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez is one of the best in the world in his position and will be the starter, while Gerónimo Rulli, who is performing well at Olympique Marseille, is the primary backup. A step behind, there are two names competing to be the third goalkeeper: Walter Benítez, a backup at Crystal Palace, seems to be a notch above Juan Musso, who has had minutes in the Copa del Rey with Atlético de Madrid. Further back are Facundo Cambeses, who finished 2025 strongly with Racing and earned his debut with Scaloni’s squad against Puerto Rico, and Agustín Rossi, Copa Libertadores and Brasileirao champion with Flamengo.

Fullbacks, a problem for Argentina In the Albiceleste’s defense, Lionel Scaloni seems to have more issues on the flanks. On the right, Nahuel Molina from Atlético de Madrid is a sure pick, as is Gonzalo Montiel, who, despite a drop in form at River, is a regular alternative. However, Juan Foyth, who brings versatility, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and is a confirmed absence.

On the other side is the bigger problem: Nicolás Tagliafico is the undisputed starter in the position, but he is currently dealing with an ankle sprain since January 22 and still has no return date. Nevertheless, he is expected to be fit and is a lock. To make matters worse, his usual backup, Marcos Acuña, is not in good form at River, although he would likely go to contribute his experience.

As natural fullbacks, alternatives include Julio Soler, currently sidelined by injury at Bournemouth, and Valentín Barco, who also plays further up the field and is performing well with Racing de Strasbourg. Other options, though they would be converted center-backs, are Valentín Gómez, who has adapted quickly and well at Betis, or Facundo Medina from Marseille.

Meanwhile, the center-back position does not seem to present a challenge at the moment. Cristian Romero, one of the world’s best with Tottenham, Nicolás Otamendi, captain and leader at Benfica, and Lisandro Martínez, who has returned from a long injury and taken charge of Manchester United’s defense, will all be present. To complete the list in this position, Leonardo Balerdi, currently dealing with an ear infection, is seeking his place as a right-sided center-back, while among the left-footers are the aforementioned Medina, Marcos Senesi, a standout at Bournemouth, and, a bit further behind, former Vélez player Gómez.

The midfield, with more locks and fewer options The midfield of the Argentina National Team is also very solid. Usually playing with three midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, MLS champion with Inter Miami, Enzo Fernández, one of the world’s best at Chelsea, and Alexis Mac Allister, who has improved over a weak season at Liverpool, are the most secure in their spots.

Leandro Paredes, a key player and captain at Boca, would keep his place but has raised concerns due to an ankle injury, as has Gio Lo Celso, who suffered another muscle injury at Betis at the beginning of February that will require two months of recovery. Exequiel Palacios, without much playing time at Bayer Leverkusen, could be an option, as could his teammate Equi Fernández, and Alan Varela from Porto.

As links with the attack, there’s no need to explain the presence of Lionel Messi, captain and star of the Argentina National Team, but also appearing are Nicolás Paz, one of the great stars of Serie A with Como, and Thiago Almada, currently at Atlético de Madrid. Additionally, Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid is an option.

On the other hand, Paulo Dybala, a champion in Qatar 2022, will depend on his form and fitness, while Matías Soulé, Dybala’s teammate at Roma, is further down the pecking order along with Claudio Echeverri, on loan from Manchester City to Girona.

On the wings, Giuliano Simeone has earned a spot on the right due to his performances at Atlético de Madrid, and his teammate Nicolás González, currently sidelined with a muscle tear, appears on the left. Valentín Carboni, Copa América 2024 champion, has not quite found his form at Racing and has lost ground, as has Alejandro Garnacho, who has not managed to get consistent playing time at Chelsea.

Argentina’s National Team and an elite attack The Argentina National Team’s forward line has two names that strike fear: Lautaro Martínez, Inter’s captain and Serie A’s top scorer, and Julián Álvarez, one of the most complete players in the squad who recently broke his scoring drought with Atlético de Madrid after a slow start to 2026, are guaranteed picks. It’s worth mentioning that “El Toro” was diagnosed with a “strain in the soleus of his left leg,” and is expected to return to action in less than 20 days. Nothing serious.

Among those who could join them, José Manuel López from Palmeiras and Joaquín Panichelli, one of the top scorers in Ligue 1 with Racing de Strasbourg, have already made their debuts with the Albiceleste and are fighting for that third spot.

The locks for Argentina if the World Cup started tomorrow Goalkeepers

Dibu Martínez (Aston Villa) Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille) Defenders

Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid) Gonzalo Montiel (River) Cristian Romero (Tottenham) Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica) Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United) Marcos Acuña (River) Valentín Barco (Racing de Strasbourg) Midfielders

Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen) Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid) Nicolás Paz (Como) Forwards

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) Lautaro Martínez (Inter) Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid) Thiago Almada (Atlético de Madrid) Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid) * Currently injured: Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Julio Soler, Juan Foyth, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Nico González

Those fighting for the last six spots Goalkeepers

Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace) Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid) Defenders

Facundo Medina (Olympique Marseille) Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) Valentín Gómez (Betis) Midfielders

Equi Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen) Alan Varela (Porto) Paulo Dybala (Roma) Forwards

José Manuel López (Palmeiras) Joaquín Panichelli (Racing de Strasbourg) * Further behind: Facundo Cambeses (Racing), Agustín Rossi (Flamengo), Lautaro Rivero (River), Aaron Anselmino (Racing de Strasbourg), Claudio Echeverri (Girona), Juan Nardoni (Gremio), Matías Soulé (Roma), Valentín Carboni (Racing), Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa), Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.