Predicted 2026 World Cup Argentina XI

Buenos Aires, June 2026 — Four years after the drama of Lusail, Argentina open their World Cup defence against an as-yet-unconfirmed Group-stage opponent in the United States. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s task is to balance continuity with evolution: keep the heartbeat of 2022, but blood the next wave. Essential Football projects the XI most likely to walk out on opening night.

Between the posts, Aston Villa’s Emi Martínez remains undisputed. The 33-year-old’s sprawling denial of Kylian Mbappé in the last final still flickers in rival forwards’ minds, and no Argentine keeper has wrestled the gloves from him since.

At right-back, Nahuel Molina keeps his slot despite a subdued La Liga campaign with Atlético Madrid. Scaloni values the 27-year-old’s understanding of the national-team structure, and with only 16 league appearances and one assist this season, the coach is betting on the player’s big-tournament nerve rather than club form.

Cristian Romero continues as the defensive anchor. The Tottenham man divides opinion in North London, yet his front-foot aggression remains central to Argentina’s high line. Alongside him, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi has vaulted into the XI. The left-footed 28-year-old marries rugged duels with measured distribution, giving Romero a stabilising foil.

The left-back position has become a headache. Nicolás Tagliafico, 33, is injured and nearing international retirement, so Scaloni turns to 21-year-old Valentin Barco. The Strasbourg full-back arrives with 19 Ligue 1 appearances, one goal and four assists in 2025-26, offering pace and an attacking outlet down the flank.

Midfield pivots through two Premier League operators. Enzo Fernández, fresh from an eight-goal, two-assist season at Chelsea, will sit slightly deeper to dictate tempo. Alongside him, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister roams forward, carrying the ball into the final third. The pair’s defensive limitations are acknowledged, yet their combined energy and technique are expected to overwhelm opponents before gaps appear.

The forward line blends legend and prodigy. Lionel Messi, 38, captains the side for a record sixth World Cup. While no longer the globe’s supreme talent, his presence alone shapes match-day strategy. He will start on the right of a front three, drifting centrally when provoked.

Opposite him, 21-year-old Nico Paz earns the left-sided berth after nine goals and six assists for promoted Como this season, edging out Roma’s Paulo Dybala on current form. Through the middle, Inter skipper Lautaro Martínez supplies the cold-blooded finishing: 10-plus Serie A goals in seven consecutive campaigns make him the automatic No. 9.

Completing the quartet is Julian Álvarez, the tournament’s most versatile attacker. Manchester City’s sale of the 26-year-old has proved costly for the English club; Álvarez slots in as a second striker, interchanging with Messi and Martínez to stretch defences vertically and laterally.

Projected Argentina XI (4-3-3): Emi Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi, Valentin Barco; Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Álvarez, Nico Paz; Lautaro Martínez.

Scaloni’s side may concede chances, yet few back lines relish facing a front four that combines Messi’s genius, Martínez’s movement, Álvarez’s industry and Paz’s fearless youth. If the defence holds, La Albiceleste believe another trophy procession is possible.