Argentina World Cup 2026

Argentina enter the 2026 World Cup as defending champions and among the strongest favourites to retain the trophy. Under Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste blend the brilliance of their golden generation with exciting young talent, their identity rooted in technical excellence, tactical flexibility and an unshakable winning mentality forged by the 2022 triumph and back-to-back Copa América titles. Lionel Messi, now 38, may feature in his final World Cup, adding emotional weight to a quest for a historic third consecutive major title. With Julián Álvarez a world-class striker, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister running the midfield, and Cristian Romero anchoring the defence, Argentina have the squad to make history on North American soil.

Argentina were the first team to qualify, clinching the CONMEBOL title in March 2025 with a dominant campaign. Drawn into Group J with Austria, Algeria and Jordan, they are heavy favourites to top the group and mount a serious defence of their crown as they chase a fourth star.

Lionel Scaloni favours a pragmatic yet attacking 4-3-3 / 4-4-2 that can dominate possession or absorb and counter with equal menace. Julián Álvarez leads the line, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister control midfield, and Cristian Romero anchors an aggressive, organised defence. World Cup winners who combine flair with cold efficiency.

Argentina have won the World Cup three times: 1978 at home, 1986 in Mexico inspired by Diego Maradona's iconic performances, and most recently in 2022 in Qatar where Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy. They have also been runners-up three times (1930, 1990, 2014). The 2022 final — a dramatic triumph over France on penalties — is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played.

Diego Maradona's two goals against England in the 1986 quarter-final — the infamous "Hand of God" and the breathtaking "Goal of the Century" solo run — came in the same match and remain the most talked-about pair of goals in World Cup history.