Argentina

Argentina haven't missed a beat since their 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar. They picked up another title at the 2024 Copa América and have dominated the qualification tournament for the 2026 World Cup while picking up their first double against Brazil. The only player not available for their 2026 run will be Ángel Di María, who retired from the Albiceleste.

Lionel Messi is still leading the charge here along with a tremendously in-form Julián Alvarez, but Argentina aren't as reliant on individual brilliance up front as before. La Scaloneta's true strength lies in their versatile midfield talent. The preferred trio in the nominal (but fluid) 4-3-3 comprises Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes when healthy. The final spot among the attacking six is not set in stone and will likely rotate depending on the opponent. This has historically been Rodrigo De Paul, but Exequiel Palacios has seen more minutes recently and Thiago Almada performed well during qualifying. Nico González gets the nod if Scaloni opts for a more traditional wide player.

One concern is the high number of injuries suffered late in the club season, with multiple starters limited in training, and Leonardo Balerdi cut with a muscle injury. Worries persist around the fitness of Paredes, Alvarez and Dibu Martínez.