Argentina’s World Cup squad is out and one club has six players on it

The defending champions will head to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada with the core of the group that lifted the trophy in Qatar four years ago. Scaloni unveiled his final 26-man roster, led by captain Lionel Messi, the face of Argentina’s golden generation.

One player who will not be wearing Argentina’s colors this summer is Mastantuono. The Real Madrid youngster failed to make the final squad, while six players from Atlético Madrid earned places on the roster.

Who do Argentina play at the World Cup?

Mastantuono’s inconsistent season appears to have been the deciding factor behind Scaloni’s decision. Meanwhile, Messi, who sparked injury concerns a few weeks ago, is fully fit and expected to wear the captain’s armband in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria.

Argentina will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J. Before the tournament begins, the Albiceleste will play friendlies against Honduras and Iceland.

The squad includes several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team, including Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martínez.

Atlético Madrid superb six are made up of Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González along with a first World Cup call-up for Giuliano Simeone.

Argentina World Cup 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers: Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid)

Defenders: Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás Tagliafico (Ajax), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Facundo Medina (Olympique Marseille)

Midfielders: Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Valentín Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Nico González (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Nico Paz (Como)

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