News Focus
- Argentina confirms final 26-man roster for 2026 World Cup tournament
- Serie A top scorer Lautaro Martínez and Como midfielder Nico Paz selected
- Several former Italian league players also make the cut for the defending champions
- Paz earns first World Cup call-up after breakthrough season in Italy
The Argentine Football Association has named its final squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni will take a strong group to the tournament, including several stars currently playing in Europe’s top leagues.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez leads the Serie A contingent. The striker has enjoyed an excellent season in Italy, finishing as the league’s top scorer. He will hope to add to his World Cup medal from 2022.
Nico Paz of Como also gets his first taste of World Cup football. The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed during the 2025-26 campaign, earning recognition as one of Serie A’s standout performers. He made his senior debut for Argentina last year and has eight caps.
Other players with Italian league experience feature heavily in the selection. Defenders Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina, plus midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes, all previously played in Serie A. Goalkeeper Juan Musso also knows the Italian game well.
Juventus winger Nicolás González joins the group despite spending this season on loan at Atlético Madrid. The 24-year-old provides width in attack alongside captain Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada.
The complete squad mixes experienced winners from 2022 with fresh talent. Argentina will defend their title hoping to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.