Argentina compete in Group Ten of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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World Cup winners in 1978, 1986, and 2022
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Copa América winners 16 times
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FIFA ranking: 3
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Last World Cup appearance: 2022 (winners)
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Nickname: Albiceleste
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Top clubs: River Plate, Boca Juniors, Racing Club
Qualification: Argentina were the first South American side to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, doing so in March 2025 after topping the CONMEBOL standings. The Albiceleste have not missed a World Cup since 1970 — the first of three editions hosted by Mexico.
Coach: Having served as assistant to Jorge Sampaoli during the 2018 World Cup, where Argentina lost to France in the round of 16, Lionel Scaloni was appointed head coach following the Russia disappointment. He began on a caretaker basis before cementing his position, becoming the second most experienced manager in Argentina's history with 92 matches at the helm, aged just 48.
Star player: Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is preparing for his sixth World Cup at 38 — a record number of appearances he is expected to share with historic rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Since winning the 2022 World Cup and moving to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has continued to perform at a high level while carefully managing his workload, with the sole aim of arriving at this final World Cup in peak physical condition. Since the MLS season began, "La Pulga" has scored 12 goals in 14 matches. The one cause for concern is a left hamstring strain that forced him off in his most recent league match in late May.
Ambitions: With a squad very close to the one that lifted the trophy four years ago in Qatar — reinforced by young talents such as Nico Paz and Valentín Barco — the Albiceleste will aim for back-to-back world titles, a feat achieved in World Cup history only by Brazil (1958 and 1962) and Italy (1934 and 1938).