Predicted 2026 World Cup Argentina XI

Argentina are champions of the world in footballing terms – can La Albiceleste defend their 2022 crown at the 2026 World Cup?

Today, we’ll be looking at how the reigning World Cup champions might line up for their first game at the 2026 iteration of the tournament. We’ll be looking at players from teams such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – who would make your Argentina XI?

GK: Emi Martinez

Emi Martinez was Argentina’s saviour last tournament, making a number of crucial saves in the final – including a one-on-one against Kylian Mbappe in the dying embers.

He isn’t getting any younger, but Martinez’s spot as Argentina’s number one is pretty much locked down for the Aston Villa star.

RB: Nahuel Molina

Nahuel Molina seems like the obvious choice to play at right-back for Lionel Scaloni’s men. He hasn’t had his best season in an Atletico Madrid shirt, but Argentina aren’t spoiled for choice in this area of the pitch.

He has made 16 appearances for Diego Simeone’s men in La Liga this season, notching up a solitary assist along the way.

CB: Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero has been subjected to a myriad of criticism for Tottenham this season, but the 27-year-old still remains Argentina’s top centre-back.

His aggressiveness can often be his downfall, but it also makes him a ferocious opponent for any centre-forward to tangle with.

CB: Marcos Senesi

Romero’s might still be Argentina’s top defensive dog, Marcos Senesi’s performances for Bournemouth this season make him an excellent choice to line up alongside him.

Senesi is the complete modern centre-back. He offers a strong physical presence on the pitch, but can also back it up with impressive technical ability.

LB: Valentin Barco

Left-back is arguably Argentina’s weakest position at the moment. Normally, Nicolas Tagliafico would play here, but he is start to reach the end of his international career at 33 years of age – furthermore, he’s also injured.

As such, this opens the door for Valentin Barco to show his stuff. The 21-year-old currently plays for Strasbourg, having made 19 Ligue 1 appearances for them this season. During this time, he has scored a single goal and has racked up four assists.

CM: Enzo Fernandez

After rising to prominence as a youngster at the 2022 World Cup, Enzo Fernandez returns to the tournament as an established Premier League veteran four years later.

The Chelsea ace has been on fire this season, scoring eight goals and notching up a pair of assists in the Premier League from the heart of midfield.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

Argentina’s midfield may be a bit unbalanced with the combination of Enzo Fernandez and Alex Mac Allister, as neither of them are particularly proficient defenders, but their energy and sheer footballing ability should make up for it.

Mac Allister’s ability to carry the ball forward is fantastic – he will unsettle defence all tournament if he is allowed to play his natural game. Fernandez may need to stay deep to accomodate this, but the Chelsea star generally performs better in deeper roles anyway.

AM: Lionel Messi

You guessed it – even at 38 years of age, Lionel Messi is still the first name on the Argentina teamsheet. He might not be the best player in the world anymore, but his talismanic presence is absolutely priceless.

Messi is Argentina’s team captain, record appearance holder and record goalscorer. This will be the Barcelona icon’s sixth World Cup – it’s also likely to be his last.

AM: Nico Paz

Alongside Messi will be Nico Paz, who is 17 years younger than the Inter Miami ace. Nevertheless, he has plenty to offer, having been in fantastic form for Como this season.

Paz has scored nine goals and has registered six assists – he just beats out Paulo Dybala on account of his stronger form in 2025/26.

ST: Julian Alvarez

Will Manchester City live to regret their decision to sell Julian Alvarez? He is one of the hottest names in football at the moment and will certainly have a spot in Argentina’s starting line up.

It’s unclear where he will play, as he can function in pretty much any attacking role, but he is at his best when played as a striker.

ST: Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is one of the best natural strikers in the world – his finishing and movement are both truly sublime.

He has scored 10+ Serie A goals for the Italian giants in every season since 2019/20. Martinez is among the best goalscorers in world football – Argentina may be somewhat frail at the back, but they make up for it with truly world class attacking talent.