The Argentina’s national team, the last Champion of the World Cup, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, officially submitted its preliminary squad list to the FIFA on May 11 for the tournament 2026.

This Monday, the the Argentina’s Football Association (AFA, in Spanish) released the pre-list of 55 players, the maximum established by FIFA, of which 26 of them will be part of the final tally that will defend the title won in 2022.

While a core group of players from the Qatar 2022 World Cup-winning squad remains, several prominent figures will be absent, marking a strategic shift as Lionel Scaloni integrates emerging talents alongside the established stars in the pursuit of defending their world title.

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This mandatory administrative step initiates the final logistical and sporting planning phase, aiming to define the definitive 26-player roster that will represent the nation in the upcoming global tournament across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Text reads: “Official pre-cast of footballers reserved for the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

From this initial selection, the final roster of 26 athletes who will represent their nation in the global tournament will be chosen. This significant submission signals the beginning of the final preparation phase for the Argentinean squad, which is determined to uphold its prominent international standing following its World Cup 2022 victory and previous America Cup 2024 triumphs.

Since Lionel Scaloni assumed leadership of the national team’s coaching staff, the squad has been characterized by a continuous renewal process and meticulous monitoring of its players across various international leagues.

While the specific names on the list have not been officially disclosed to prevent unnecessary speculation, it is widely understood that the coaching staff intends to maintain the core of the team that has performed exceptionally in recent international competitions. Nonetheless, the comprehensive document also incorporates a selection of promising young talents who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective clubs over the past six months, reflecting Scaloni’s commitment to both current strength and future development.

Unveiling Key Selections

The extensive 55-player list compiled by Lionel Scaloni offers a comprehensive look into Argentina’s strategic planning for the 2026 World Cup. The selections underscore a balance between established international stars and emerging domestic talents.

Notably, ten players from the local Argentinean league have been included, highlighting a continued focus on national talent development. Among these, six individuals represent River Plate: Santiago Beltrán, Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Germán Pezzella, Marcos Acuña and Aníbal Moreno, with Moreno having garnered attention during his previous tenure at Palmeiras.

Boca Juniors contributes four players to the provisional squad: Lautaro Di Lollo, Leandro Paredes, Milton Delgado and Tomás Aranda. Furthermore, other players from the Argentinean league have secured a place, such as Gabriel Rojas of Racing Club, who received a call-up in the last friendly window, and goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses, also from Racing Club, recognized for his strong performance in late 2025.

Surprising New Faces

The provisional roster also features several intriguing additions who had not previously been called up by Scaloni for official or friendly matches, indicating a potential shift in the team’s composition. Nicolás Capaldo, the former Boca Juniors midfielder, now playing as a stopper for Hamburg SV in the German Bundesliga, is a significant inclusion. His versatility could offer a crucial defensive option for Scaloni, particularly after Juan Foyth’s injury, potentially serving as a valuable “wildcard” in the backline.

Another surprising name is Zaid Romero, a central defender who emerged from Godoy Cruz, had a brief stint at Estudiantes de La Plata Team, and is currently on loan at Getafe from Club Brugge. Similarly, Mateo Pellegrino, a forward from Parma in the Italian Serie B, makes his first appearance in a Scaloni squad, showcasing the coaching staff’s extensive scouting efforts across European leagues. Moreover, young figures like Alejandro Garnacho (from Chelsea, after his transfer from Manchester United due to past performance and internal conflicts) and Matías Soulé, known for his strong form at Roma, are part of the list.

Notably, Gianluca Prestianni was also included, despite FIFA having extended his global sanction following homophobic insults against Vinicius in a Champions League match, underscoring continued consideration after previous friendly call-ups against Mauritania and Zambia.

Interestingly, Guido Rodríguez, who had not been part of the national team since the last Copa América, is included in this 55-player preliminary list, signalling a potential return to the fold.

From these footballers, among whom captain Lionel Messi stands out, will come the final roster of 26 who will compete in the highest competition of world football, which will be released at the end of May.

Road to Final Selection

With less than one month remaining until the official commencement of the World Cup 2026, this 55-player provisional list represents a pivotal moment in Argentina’s journey. From this extensive group, the final 26 players will be meticulously selected, each awaiting the career-defining call.

As the players conclude their commitments with their respective clubs, they will gradually converge at the Argentina’s Football Association’s complex in the locality of Ezeiza. Following this initial gathering, the squad is scheduled to travel in early June to its training base in Kansas, United States.

In the pre-premiere, Argentina will face Honduras and Iceland on June 6-9 at Texas’s Kyle Field and Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. These regions of the United States will host the last friendlies of the reigning world champion before their debut on June 16 against Algeria for the first match of Group J in the 2026 World Cup at the Kansas City Chiefs stadium.

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Focus on Performance

FIFA regulations stipulate that all participating federations must submit this preliminary registration well in advance. This foresight is designed to streamline the overall management of the tournament, facilitating everything from player accreditation to team movement schedules. Crucially, this list provides a framework where teams can only make last-minute changes in the event of documented injuries, which must be officially certified by the medical department of the world football governing body. This strict protocol ensures fairness and maintains the integrity of the selection process for all participants.

With this formal action, Argentina joins a growing list of global football powerhouses that have already commenced their official administrative processes for the World Cup 2026. Simultaneously, the coaching staff will diligently monitor the physical evolution and fitness levels of each individual, a critical assessment that will ultimately determine who earns the coveted national jersey for football’s most prestigious global spectacle.

At this time, the blend of experienced veterans and new blood will be crucial for the Argentinean team’s long-term success and continued dominance on the international stage.

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