CONMEBOL · Group J
Argentina at FIFA World Cup 2026
Argentina qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group J opponents
Argentina plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Argentina fixtures
Argentina in the tournament
Argentina arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #2 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 94/100. CONMEBOL (South America) sends 6 teams. Brazil and Argentina are the historical heavyweights, having won 7 of the 22 World Cups between them.
The 48-team format puts Argentina in Group J with Algeria, Austria, Jordan. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #33, with Argentina the top-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Argentina squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 29, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Lionel Scaloni
Defending champions Argentina with Lionel Messi at his sixth World Cup -- a record shared only with Cristiano Ronaldo. Lionel Scaloni's 2022 champions retain the bulk of their core: Emiliano Martinez in goal, Cristian Romero anchoring defense, Enzo Fernandez and Mac Allister running midfield, Julian Alvarez and Messi leading the attack.
Goalkeepers3
- Emiliano Martínez(Aston Villa)
- Juan Musso(Atletico Madrid)
- Geronimo Rulli(Olympique de Marseille)
Defenders8
- Leonardo Balerdi(Marseille)
- Lisandro Martínez(Manchester United)
- Facundo Medina(Marseille)
- Nahuel Molina(Atletico Madrid)
- Gonzalo Montiel(River Plate)
- Nicolas Otamendi(Benfica)
- Cristian Romero(Tottenham)
- Nicolas Tagliafico(Lyon)
Midfielders7
- Valentín Barco(Strasbourg)
- Rodrigo De Paul(Inter Miami)
- Enzo Fernandez(Chelsea)
- Giovani Lo Celso(Real Betis)
- Alexis Mac Allister(Liverpool)
- Exequiel Palacios(Bayer Leverkusen)
- Leandro Paredes(Boca Juniors)
Forwards8
- Thiago Almada(Atletico Madrid)
- Julian Alvarez(Atletico Madrid)
- Nicolas Gonzalez(Atletico Madrid)
- Jose Manuel Lopez(Palmeiras)
- Lautaro Martínez(Inter Milan)
- Lionel MessiCaptain(Inter Miami)Sixth and final World Cup at 38; record shared with Ronaldo
- Nicolas Paz(Como)
- Giuliano Simeone(Atletico Madrid)
Sources: Sky Sports. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Argentina analysis
- AnalysisTop Favorites for FIFA World Cup 2026Spain lead the betting, but Argentina and France are not far behind. A guided tour of the seven sides who can realistically lift the trophy in New Jersey.
- AnalysisMessi vs Ronaldo World Cup StatsBoth turn 39 this tournament. One has the trophy. The other has more career tournament goals across all competitions. The full numbers, side by side.
- AnalysisArgentina vs Brazil 2026 PredictionThey have not met at a World Cup since 1990. The bracket math says 2026 might finally deliver the South American superclásico the world has been waiting for.
Frequently asked questions about Argentina
When does Argentina play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 17, 2026. The opener is against ALG. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Argentina in at the World Cup 2026?
Argentina is in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, Jordan. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Argentina's FIFA ranking?
Argentina entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #2 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 10 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Argentina win the World Cup 2026?
Argentina's pre-tournament strength rating is 94/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are among the title favourites alongside the other top-strength sides. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.