FIFA World Cup 2026: Defending champions Argentina have once again shown why they are one of world football’s elite teams. After six consecutive victories, including two dramatic extra-time triumphs in the knockout stages, Lionel Scaloni’s men are preparing for a heavyweight FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England in Atlanta.
The build-up has been dominated by the historic rivalry between the two nations, but Argentina remain focused on reaching a second successive World Cup final. Lionel Messi, who is tied at the top of the Golden Boot race with eight goals, remains the heartbeat of the team despite being carefully managed during training following the exhausting quarter-final against Switzerland.
Scaloni is expected to retain the trusted core that has guided Argentina through another remarkable World Cup campaign.
Argentina Full Squad – FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso.
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Facundo Medina.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Valentín Barco.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Thiago Almada, Nicolás Paz, Nicolás González, Giuliano Simeone, José Manuel López.
Argentina Predicted Playing XI for FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez
Argentina’s Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals
Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record before surviving a series of thrilling knockout battles.
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Group Stage: Argentina 3-0 Algeria (Messi hat-trick)
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Group Stage: Argentina 2-0 Austria (Messi brace)
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Group Stage: Argentina 3-1 Jordan (Lo Celso, Lautaro Martínez, Messi)
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Round of 32: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (After Extra Time)
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Round of 16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt
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Quarter-final: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (After Extra Time)
Top Performers for Argentina at FIFA World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi: The captain has once again been Argentina’s biggest match-winner, scoring eight goals to share the Golden Boot lead while breaking multiple World Cup scoring records.
Alexis Mac Allister: The Liverpool midfielder has been setting the tempo throughout the tournament and he scored the opening goal against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Julián Alvarez: The Manchester City striker has a habit of coming good when it counts, not least with his stunning extra-time winner against Switzerland.
Lautaro Martínez: Argentina’s dependable finisher has been delivering key goals throughout the campaign, including a late strike to seal victory in the quarter-finals.
Emiliano Martínez: The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has made several crucial saves in Argentina’s tight knockout wins, once again proving why he is one of the best in the world.
