Argentina team profile - FIFA World Cup
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Argentina.
FIFA World Ranking: 3
Confederation: CONMEBOL
Who is Argentina’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Lionel Scaloni. A former Argentinian international. he has been in charge of the national team since November 2018 and guided the country to their third FIFA World Cup triumph in 2022. He has also won two Copa America titles as Argentina head coach.
Who is Argentina’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Lionel Messi. He has more than 195 caps and over 115 goals for his country, the most of any Argentinian footballer.
How many times have Argentina participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
18 – 1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
What is Argentina’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Winners – 1978, 1986, 2022
How did Argentina qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of the CONMEBOL group which sees ten nations play a round-robin format with the top six finishers automatically qualifying for FIFA World Cup 26.
Across 18 matches, Argentina ended on 38 points with 12 wins, two draws and four defeats, finishing nine points above second-placed Ecuadorl. Lionel Messi ended the CONMEBOL qualifiers as top scorer with eight goals, whilst both Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored four goals.
Confirmation of Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification came on March 25, 2025 after a 4-1 win over fierce rivals Brazil. It was Argentina’s second win of the qualifying campaign against Brazil, having already beaten them 0-1 at Estadio do Maracana back in late 2023.
Who are Argentina’s star players?
Heading into his sixth FIFA World Cup, captain Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) is looking to increase his tally of 13 goals in the tournament after having scored seven in 2022 whilst leading Argentina to glory. Despite being set to turn 39 during FIFA World Cup 2026, the eight-time Ballon d’Or and two-time FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner remains the beating heart of this side.
Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), is another player from that victorious squad in 2022 who is set to play a big part again this summer. A UEFA Champions League and two-time Premier League winner with Man City, Alvarez has been capped over 50 times for his country and will prove a potent attacking threat.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) scored his first senior international goal at FIFA World Cup 2022, whilst the shot-stopping abilities of Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), particularly from the penalty spot could be decisive once again.
Who is in Argentina’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina are in Group J, which consists of the following teams:
Argentina
Algeria
Austria
Jordan
Argentina’s Group J fixtures are as follows:
Argentina vs Algeria: Tuesday June 16, 2026 – 9:00pm ET, 2:00am UK (Wednesday)
Argentina vs Austria: Monday June 22, 2026 – 1:00pm ET, 6:00pm UK
Jordan vs Argentina: Saturday June 27, 2026 – 10:00pm ET, 3:00am UK (Sunday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Argentina’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sporting KC Training Centre – Kansas City, Kansas
Expert prediction for Argentina’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Whilst Argentina are expected to top Group J, they will need to guard against complacency. Lionel Scaloni won’t have forgotten his side losing their opening game in 2022 against Saudi Arabia and will not want a repeat performance this time around, with Algeria their first opponents.
Although this Argentina side boasts a healthy assortment of attacking riches led by the mercurial Messi, they are an excellent team defensively under Scaloni, which they’ll hope can provide the foundation for another deep run at FIFA World Cup 2026. However, no team has retained the men’s FIFA World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
According to our projections, the quarter-finals could see Argentina face off against Portugal and if any nation has the calibre of squad capable of topping this Argentinian juggernaut it could well be a country with the likes Cristiano Ronaldo, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes spearheading their charge. With that in mind, Argentina’s World Cup title defence may come to a premature end.
What round will Argentina reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Quarter-Finals
