Fifty days out, who is guaranteed to make Argentina’s World Cup squad?

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is just around the corner. With the clock ticking down and just 50 days to go before the tournament kicks off,  Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni is whittling down his long list as his 26-man playing squad takes shape. 

Consistency of selection has been a key theme for Scaloni since he took control of the Albiceleste. The majority of the squad are tried and trusted lieutenants, many of whom have been regulars since before the last World Cup in 2022.

Most pundits agree that around 22 of the 26 slots in the final squad are already taken, unless the current picks suffer an injury that rules them out of the tournament.

The goalkeepers will be Emiliano Martínez, a key figure for Argentina who has consistently delivered outstanding performances for the Albiceleste, and Gerónimo Rulli. The most likely option for the third goalkeeper is Juan Musso, who is currently enjoying an excellent spell at Atlético Madrid, where he has starred in several Champions League matches.

As for the defence, all indications are that Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Tagliafico are all guaranteed a place in the squad. 

Romero recently suffered an injury with his club side, Tottenham Hotspur, that ruled him out for the season, but he is expected to return to fitness before the tournament in the Americas.

The main uncertainty in defence concerns the left-back position, specifically who will serve as Tagliafico’s understudy. One option is Marcos Acuña, who has a wealth of experience with the national team, although Valentín Barco – who can also perform very effectively in midfield and on the wing – and Gabriel Rojas are also strong alternatives.

The midfielders who appear set to travel are Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo de Paul, Nicolás González, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz, Thiago Almada and Giuliano Simeone.

Another player with a strong chance of being included is Giovani Lo Celso, who has been a regular for Scaloni when fit. A surge in form for Real Madrid’s wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, formerly of River Plate, could also open the door for him.

The forwards will be Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, with José Manuel López also expected to take a slot. He was expected to compete with Joaquín Panichelli for a place in the final squad, though the latter has suffered a severe ligament injury that has effectively cleared the way for ‘El Flaco’ to secure a spot.

The chosen 22 (with four to come)

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli
• Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico
• Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo de Paul, Nicolás González, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, José Manuel López