Argentina's Controversial Squad Selection: Who Missed the 2026 World Cup List. Lionel Scaloni has announced an extended squad of 55 players for the 2026 World Cup. The list includes not only world champions, but also unexpected newcomers and returning faces. The main intrigue—who will make the final cut.
A heated debate has erupted in Argentina after the publication of an extended list of 55 footballers vying for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has, for the first time, decided to reveal the names of all the candidates, even though the regulations do not require it. Only 26 players will make the final squad, and the competition for the remaining spots is drawing the most attention.
Unexpected names and notable omissions
The preliminary list includes 20 current world champions, as well as several players who have not previously been called up to the national team. Among them are Mateo Pellegrino, Tomás Aranda, Milton Delgado, Zaid Romero, Lautaro Di Lollo, Nicolás Capaldo, Santiago Beltrán, Santiago Castro, Claudio Echeverri, Ezequiel Fernández, Alan Varela, and Matías Soulé. Only five of them have ever been called up to the national squad before. According to local media, the inclusion of some of these players is seen more as a reward for their progress than a genuine bet on their trip to Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
Particular attention was drawn to the omission of Paulo Dybala, who is once again left out of the squad. Also missing from the list are Franco Armani and Ángel Di María, who have ended their international careers, as well as the injured Juan Foyth, suspended Alejandro Papu Gómez, and Ángel Correa, who has lost the coaching staff's trust. Other notable absentees include goalkeeper Agustín Rossi and forward Valentín Castellanos.
The fight for the last places
According to RUSSPAIN, out of 55 candidates, 24 are already considered virtually guaranteed participants in the World Cup. The goalkeeper lineup is almost decided: Emiliano Martinez and Geronimo Rulli are undisputed, while Juan Musso and Walter Benitez are competing for the third spot. In defense, key positions are held by Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Leonardo Balerdi, as well as Facundo Medina or Marcos Senesi. On the flanks are Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Marcos Acuña.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, and Exequiel Palacios are guaranteed spots. In attack: Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, and Nicolas Paz. There is still a question regarding Giovani Lo Celso, who, despite injuries, remains a favorite of the coaching staff. The remaining spots are contested by holding midfielders Maximo Perrone, Valentin Barco, the returning Guido Rodriguez, as well as young forwards Jose Lopez, Santiago Castro, and Mateo Pellegrino. Among unexpected options are Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni, who will have to serve a suspension for insults directed at Vinicius.
Timing and next steps
The final list of 26 players must be announced no later than May 31. However, if any player is injured, substitutions are allowed up to 24 hours before the first match—even if they are not on the extended roster. On June 1, the team will gather in Kansas to prepare for friendlies against Honduras and Iceland, scheduled for June 6 and 9, respectively.
Attention to the squad decisions of Argentina’s national team is being fueled not only within the country. In Europe, preparations for the World Cup are also under close scrutiny. For example, recently, the Rayo vs Girona match in Madrid sparked discussion due to the absence of key players, emphasizing the importance of squad selection ahead of major tournaments.
