Argentina Announces 2026 World Cup Preliminary Squad

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has officially released a 55-member preliminary squad today, Monday (May 11). The expansive list will eventually be pruned down to a final 26-man roster that will travel to defend the world title.

While the squad features the familiar core that secured glory in Qatar, it also contains significant shocks, high-profile omissions, and a clear nod toward the next generation of Argentine talent.

Major Omissions and Tactical Shifts

The biggest talking point of the announcement is the absence of star forward Paulo Dybala. The Roma attacker, a long-time fixture in the national setup, has been left out alongside Angel Correa and Valentin Castellanos. In their place, Scaloni has opted for fresh legs, handing opportunities to Mateo Pellegrino and Matias Soule.

Surprises Across the Pitch

The preliminary list includes several "wildcard" entries that highlight Scaloni’s extensive scouting.

Goalkeepers: The inclusion of young River Plate keeper Santiago Beltran is the standout surprise in the goalkeeping department. He joins a six-man list led by the indomitable Emiliano Martinez, alongside Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Walter Benitez, and Facundo Cambeses.

Defense: Injuries have forced Scaloni to look for depth on the right flank. With Nahuel Molina’s fitness being monitored, the likes of Agustin Giay, Kevin Mac Allister, and Nicolas Capaldo have been called up. Additional defensive surprises include Lautaro Di Lollo and Zaid Romero, while Tomas Palacios has notably missed out.

Midfield and Attack: Scaloni has signaled a youth revolution by including Milton Delgado and Thomas Aranda. The coach reportedly spoke very highly of Aranda’s potential during the selection process. The squad also sees the return of experienced names like Guido Rodriguez and Emiliano Buendia, alongside rising stars Alejandro Garnacho, Claudio Echeverri, and Gianluca Prestianni.

The Messi Factor

Despite the debate over backup spots—such as the battle between Juan Musso and Walter Benitez for the third goalkeeper position—the primary focus remains on captain Lionel Messi. The world champion captain remains the heart of the team as Argentina dreams of retaining their crown on the world stage.

Argentina’s 55-Man Preliminary Squad

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Walter Benitez, Facundo Cambeses, and Santiago Beltran.

Defenders: Agustin Giay, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Capaldo, Kevin Mac Allister, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Marcos Senesi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Lautaro Di Lollo, Zaid Romero, Facundo Medina, Marcos Acuña, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Gabriel Rojas.

Midfielders: Maximo Perrone, Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Anibal Moreno, Milton Delgado, Alan Varela, Ezequiel Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolas Dominguez, Emiliano Buendia, and Valentin Barco.

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Thiago Almada, Thomas Aranda, Nicolas Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, Giuliano Simeone, Matias Soule, Claudio Echeverri, Gianluca Prestianni, Santiago Castro, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, and Mateo Pellegrino.