🇦🇷 Argentina
Group J
- Coach
- Lionel Scaloni
- World Cup appearances
- 18
- Best result
- Winners 2022
- FIFA ranking
- #1
Argentina enter the 2026 World Cup as defending champions, having won in 2022. Under Lionel Scaloni, they boast a balanced squad with world-class talent in every position. Lionel Messi, playing in his final World Cup, remains a game-changer. Key strengths include a solid defense led by Emiliano MartÃnez, whose penalty-saving ability is crucial. Recent form is excellent, with Copa América titles and a strong qualifying campaign. Their playing style combines possession-based attack with resilient counter-pressing.
Matches
News
2026 World Cup Third-Place Rankings: Scotland's Nervous Wait
Scotland nervously holds the final third-place 2026 World Cup spot. South Korea, Senegal, and Costa Rica lurk behind. Goal difference and final matches will decide the eight teams advancing.
Messi Breaks World Cup Goal Record as Argentina Defeats Austria
Lionel Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal to surpass Miroslav Klose's record, leading Argentina to a 2-0 win over Austria and top spot in Group J.
Argentina vs. Austria Live: Messi Tries to Match Klose’s Record as Group J Leaders Clash
Argentina faces Austria in a high-stakes Group J match. Lionel Messi, fresh off a historic hat-trick, leads the defending champions against an Austria side buoyed by their first World Cup win in 36 years. A win could decide the group winner.
World Cup 2026 Squads Revealed: Neymar In, Record 44 MLS Stars Called Up
All 48 nations have submitted their final 26-man squads for World Cup 2026, with Neymar’s shock inclusion for Brazil and a record 44 MLS players among key talking points.
Messi Included in Argentina’s World Cup Squad Despite Hamstring Fatigue Scare
Despite a late injury scare, Lionel Messi has been officially selected to captain Argentina for the 2026 World Cup, marking his sixth appearance. The 38-year-old's muscle fatigue is manageable, and he will play in pre-tournament friendlies.
Messi Set for Sixth World Cup as Argentina Announce Squad for 2026
Lionel Messi will play in his sixth World Cup after being named in Argentina's squad for the 2026 tournament, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's record. The 38-year-old captain seeks to defend the title in North America.
Ronaldo Becomes First Man at 6 World Cups as Portugal Squad Named
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, was named in Portugal's 2026 World Cup squad, becoming the first male player to appear at six tournaments. Portugal are in Group K with Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan.
Messi Rested: Record-Breaker on Bench for Argentina's Final Group Match vs Jordan
Lionel Messi will begin Argentina's final Group J match against Jordan on the bench, a pragmatic decision by manager Lionel Scaloni to preserve the 39-year-old for the knockout rounds. Messi, the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, may feature in the second half.
World Cup 2026: Cape Verde Advance to Last 32 After Saudi Arabia Draw
Cape Verde secured a last-32 spot with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in their first World Cup. Vozinha was heroic in goal, and a late Spain win over Uruguay confirmed their progression. They will face Argentina in Miami.
World Cup 2026 Third-Place Table: Who Qualifies and Who’s on the Bubble?
Seven nations have qualified for the knockout stage. The third-place table determines eight more spots. Teams on 5 points are safe; those on 1-2 points face decisive final group matches.