Argentina will announce their World Cup roster on an unspecified date and time, with Lionel Scaloni leading the squad. Lionel Messi's participation remains uncertain as the team prepares to defend their title in 2026.
Key points
Argentina will defend their title at the 2026 World Cup
Argentina will look to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup across North America.
Lionel Scaloni's team have been the dominant force in international football since winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar, winning the 2022 Finalissima and the Copa America two years later.
La Albiceleste are one of the favourites to triumph in the United States, Canada and Mexico, not least because of the quality at Scaloni's disposal. His final roster is likely to be replete with attacking talent in particular, although Lionel Messi's participation is still unclear.
Below are the key details on Argentina's roster announcement and whether their captain will be involved.
Q&A
When will Argentina announce their World Cup roster for 2026?
The exact date and time for Argentina's World Cup roster announcement have not been specified yet.
Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup for Argentina?
Lionel Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup is still unclear at this time.
What is Argentina's recent performance in international football?
Argentina has been dominant, winning the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima, and the Copa America two years later.
Which countries will host the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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We do not yet have a confirmed date for Argentina's roster announcement, but it is expected to be over the next two weeks.
As per FIFA regulations, competing teams at the World Cup must submit a provisional squad of players by May 11, and their final, whittled-down list no later than May 30.
How many players are in Argentina's World Cup roster?
The final squad must contain at least 23 players and no more than 26. The only other stipulation is that at least three of these players must be goalkeepers.
Scaloni named a host of key players for the March internationals, including Messi, Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Emiliano Martinez, but unproven talentsĀ Tomas Palacios and Gabriel Rojas were given a chance to impress. It remains to be seen how many surprises there will be in the final group.
Up to 27 team officials will complete the travelling party.
Will Lionel Messi play at the World Cup?
Messi's involvement in the 2026 finals has long been uncertain. The player himself has stated for some months now that he would take time before deciding on whether he wanted to be involved.
"Itās a question that's more for him, but for my part, you already know what I think," he said. "I'll do everything possible for him to be there.
"Honestly, I think for the good of soccer he has to be there, but I'm not the one who says. I've always said it'll be him [who decides], the way he's feeling, his state of mind, his physical status. It's difficult. Not just us Argentines want to see him. Everyone wants to see him."
Messi was included on the provisional roster, according to reports.
Can Argentina replace players in their World Cup roster?
Teams are allowed to make a change to their squad due to injury or illness up to 24 hours before their first scheduled game of the tournament. Medical proof of the reason behind the withdrawal must be sent to FIFA for approval.
Argentina's Group J opener against Algeria is on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, meaning any replacements would have to be arranged by June 15. After that, the squad is set for the tournament.
The one exception concerns goalkeepers: if any of the three are injured or ill and has to withdraw, they can be replaced by another keeper from the provisional list at any stage of the competition (again, subject to FIFA ratifying the change).
Where is Argentina's World Cup hotel and training camp?
Argentina will use the Sporting KC Training Center as their main base during the World Cup.
The Argentine federation conducted several inspection trips to the U.S. before decidingĀ that "Kansas City would be the ideal location for the tournament, considering the distances between cities and, more importantly, the amenities available to the team".
The team is thought to be staying at theĀ Origin Kansas City Riverfront hotel.
