He World Cup 2026 find Argentina as defending champion and one of the big favorites to repeat the crown in the United States. The national team, led by Lionel Scaloni y Lionel Messicomes after a great journey in the South American Qualifiers and consecration in the last Copa América 2024.
Although he did not confirm it, the Argentine National Team probably has Messi’s last World Cup participation and wants to honor him in the best way. With a group of players that mixes experience with youth, the Albiceleste is on its fourth star with the desire to join the short list of two-time champions: only Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962) have achieved it.
The Sporting News presents all the details about Argentina’s group in the 2026 World Cup and will update with the corresponding information.
How the Argentina group will be integrated in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup draw takes place this Friday, December 5 at 12:00 local time (11:00 CDMX, 14:00 Argentina, 18:00 Spain). And Argentina already knows that it will not face any Conmebol team, since there cannot be two teams from the same confederation in the same group, except for the representatives of Europe (UEFA).
Being part of pot 1, you will not come across those who make up that ciborium either: you will thus avoid Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United States, Mexico and Canada.
As examples, in the best scenario Argentina could integrate the zone with Iran, South Africa and Curacao. The worst, meanwhile, would be with Croatia, Norway and New Zealand.
Argentina’s group in the 2026 World Cup
| Equipment | Region | Ranking FIFA | Previous participations | Best result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | South America | 2° | 18 | Champion (1978, 1986 and 2022) |
| To confirm | – | – | – | – |
| To confirm | – | – | – | – |
| To confirm | – | – | – | – |
Argentina
With Lionel Messi as an undisputed figure, the Argentine National Team appears among the favorites to win the title again. The 10 of Inter Miami is the captain of the team led by Lionel Scaloni, who will bet on maintaining a base of the champion team in Qatar 2022 plus new appearances. Those who could enjoy their first World Cup are Franco Mastantuono, Nicolás Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Leo Balerdi and Valentín Barco, among others. Only two teams were able to repeat the trophy from one year to the next: Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962).
Argentina’s matches in the 2026 World Cup: days, times and venues
| Day | Rival | Schedule (ARG) | Headquarters/Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – |
