Argentina’s likely squad if the World Cup began tomorrow, no injuries | 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 to be included, 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 doing well at Olympique Marseille, is set as the first backup. A step behind, there are two names fighting to be the third goalkeeper: Walter Benítez, a backup at Crystal Palace, seems to be a notch above Juan Musso, who has played 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, champion of the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirao with Flamengo.

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

The bigger problem is on the other side: Nicolás Tagliafico is the undisputed starter at left back, but he is currently dealing with an ankle sprain since January 22 and still has no return date. It is expected, however, that he will be fit in time and is a sure pick. To make matters worse, his usual backup, Marcos Acuña, is not having a good spell at River, although he would likely be included for his experience.

As natural fullbacks, the alternatives are Julio Soler, currently sidelined by injury at Bournemouth, and Valentín Barco, who also plays further forward and is in great form with Racing de Strasbourg. Other options, although 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 pairing does not seem to present a challenge at the moment. Cristian Romero, one of the best in the world with Tottenham, Nicolás Otamendi, captain and leader of a strong Benfica, and Lisandro Martínez, who returned from a long injury and has 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 vying for a spot as a right-footed center back, while among the left-footers are the aforementioned Medina, Marcos Senesi, a key player at Bournemouth, and, a bit further back, former Vélez man Gómez.

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

Leandro Paredes, star and captain of Boca, a core member of the squad, 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 alternative, as could his teammate Equi Fernández, and Alan Varela from Porto.

As links to the attack, there is no need to explain the presence of Lionel Messi, captain and star of the Argentina national team, but also in the mix are Nicolás Paz, one of the standout players in Serie A with Como, and Thiago Almada, now at Atlético de Madrid. Additionally, Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid is another option.

On the other hand, Paulo Dybala, a champion in Qatar 2022, will depend on his continuity and physical condition, 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 thanks to his performances at Atlético de Madrid, and his teammate Nicolás González, currently out 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 struggled for playing time at Chelsea.

Argentina’s national team and an elite attack Argentina’s forward line features two fearsome names: Lautaro Martínez, Inter captain and Serie A 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 the sure picks. It’s worth mentioning that Lautaro was diagnosed with a "strain in the soleus muscle 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 in the race: 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.