Argentina World Cup 2026 squad: Predicted lineup and tactics for Austria

Argentina are among the favourites to win World Cup 2026, as the defending champions aim to retain their crown in North America. They certainly made a powerful statement in their opener, dismantling Algeria 3-0 with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.

Messi has now moved level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. The Albiceleste looked every bit the favourites they’re billed as, with Scaloni’s 4-4-2 purring from the first whistle.

Lionel Scaloni’s squad selection raised few eyebrows – the core of the 2022 World Cup-winning group remains intact, with 17 of that squad retained. The only notable absentee is Ángel Di María, who has retired from international football.

Now Argentina face a sterner test in Austria, who opened their own campaign with a 3-1 win over tournament debutants Jordan. Ralf Rangnick’s side are back at the World Cup for the first time this century and look well-organised. Victory for either side would rubber-stamp a place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.

Argentina World Cup 2026 squad and lineup: key takeaways

• Messi is one goal away from history: The magician’s treble against Algeria moved him level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. At 38, he remains Argentina’s undisputed talisman and the favourite for the Golden Boot.

• Right-back is the forced change: Gonzalo Montiel was forced off at half-time against Algeria with a muscle injury and is not expected to be risked against Austria. Nahuel Molina is the obvious replacement.

• Julián Álvarez is pushing for a start: Lautaro Martínez started against Algeria but struggled and was replaced ten minutes into the second half. Álvarez has linked up well with Messi in the past and could be unleashed from the start.

• Nicolás González staked his claim from the bench: The Atlético Madrid winger came off the bench to claim an assist against Algeria and could replace Thiago Almada on the left.

• The midfield picks itself: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister are established as Scaloni’s trusted trio in the middle of the park, providing the energy and control to facilitate Messi.

• Austria present a different test: Ralf Rangnick’s side are methodical and intense in their pressing. Argentina may need to be more patient against a well-drilled Austrian outfit.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina legacy

Argentina hired Lionel Scaloni as their interim manager after World Cup 2018, a tournament which ended in failure for the Albiceleste.

He was supposed to be in charge for just a few months until Argentina found someone else, but Scaloni ended up landing the job on a full-time basis – despite doubts from some prominent figures in Argentinian football, not least the late Diego Maradona.

Scaloni has worked wonders since then. World Cup 2022 was his crowning glory, but the former West Ham United defender has also led Argentina to two Copa America titles. It is hard to quibble with his record.

Prediction for Head Coach

There is a sense that this will be Scaloni’s final tournament with Argentina, regardless of what happens in North America. He will be determined to go out with a bang by becoming only the second manager in history to win two World Cups.

The star player: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi will turn 39 during the World Cup. There is no doubt he is past his best at this stage, but Messi still has the ability to be decisive, and thrives on defying expectations. He does not cover as much ground as he once did, but the Inter Miami man comes alive in the final third.

Messi arrived at the World Cup nursing a hamstring issue, but any concerns were quickly dispelled as he torched Algeria with a hat-trick in the opener. He now sits level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals – one more and the record is his alone.

For all the talent available to Scaloni, Messi remains the main man in the Argentina lineup – and that is unlikely to change now that the competition is underway.

Having secured three points in game one, Scaloni may look to manage his load ahead of the knockout phase – but with history within reach, Messi will be desperate to start against Austria and clear the gap between himself and a rapidly approaching Kylian Mbappe (14 current World Cup goals).

Prediction for Star Player

Lionel Messi is among the leading contenders to win the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot, the awards given to the tournament’s best player and its top scorer respectively. Messi may ultimately fall short in pursuit of both those honours, but he remains the man to whom Argentina will look for inspiration.

Argentina 2026 World Cup confirmed 26-man squad

How Argentina lined up against Algeria

Substitutes used: Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Nico Paz, Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina

Will Scaloni rotate against Austria?

Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria was as comfortable as it gets, but Scaloni faces some selection dilemmas for the Austria clash with qualification potentially on the line

Right-back is the only enforced change. Montiel’s hamstring injury means Molina comes in. The Atlético Madrid defender will slot into a back four that could feature an all-Premier League centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez.

Julián Álvarez is knocking on the door. Lautaro Martínez started against Algeria but struggled and was replaced ten minutes into the second half. Álvarez has previous in linking up well with Messi and could be unleashed from the start. While Martínez is more of a positional striker, Álvarez offers more technique and defensive work rate.

Nicolás González staked his claim from the bench. The Atlético Madrid winger came off the bench to claim an assist against Algeria. If he starts, Thiago Almada – his club teammate – is the most likely to make way.

Midfield remains settled. Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández are all set to keep their places. They were outstanding against Algeria and look undroppable.

Up front, Messi will start – that much is certain. Turning 39 on Wednesday, creating history by breaking Klose’s record would be the perfect early birthday present.

How to bet on the Argentina starting 11

Lionel Messi is the obvious favourite in the anytime goalscorer market – his hat-trick underlined his status as Argentina’s go-to man. With one more goal, he’ll break Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record, making him a strong bet to find the net against Austria.

Julián Álvarez is an intriguing option if he starts. His movement and pressing make him a constant threat, and he offers value in the anytime goalscorer market if priced longer than Messi.

For cards, Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández are the most likely Argentina players to pick up bookings, given their combative midfield roles and Scaloni’s high-intensity pressing system.

FAQ about the 2026 Argentina World Cup squad

1. How many times have Argentina won the World Cup?

Argentina have won the World Cup three times in their history, which means only Brazil, Italy and Germany have been more successful on the biggest stage of all. Their maiden triumph came on home soil in 1978, before Diego Maradona inspired them to victory in 1986.

Argentina’s most recent success came in 2022, as Lionel Messi drove them to the title in Qatar.

2. Which players are injured and missing from the starting 11?

Cristian Romero was a fitness concern prior to Argentina’s first game, but he started in central defence.

Gonzalo Montiel has been ruled out of the next game with a hamstring injury. Marcos Senesi was called up in place of Leonardo Balerdi, with the latter suffering a late calf injury.

4. What’s Argentina’s group stage schedule?

Argentina are in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. They opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria, face Austria on Monday 22 June, and then Jordan in their final group game.

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About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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