BUENOS AIRES – The celebrations following Argentina’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar have given way to a quiet period of transition. While the core of that championship squad remains, Lionel Scaloni is steadily reshaping the Albiceleste with an eye toward the expanded 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the competition draws closer, several members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team find themselves facing an uphill battle to secure a place in Scaloni’s final squad. This article examines the players who, for various reasons, appear increasingly unlikely to feature in the next global spectacle.
The departures of some are already confirmed. Ángel Di María and Franco Armani, both pivotal figures in Argentina’s recent success, have stepped away from international duty following the 2024 Copa América, where Argentina again emerged victorious. Di María, after a decade of service, has closed the chapter on his international career, leaving a void now contested by young talents like Giuliano Simeone and Franco Mastantuono. Armani’s decision opens the door for a new generation of goalkeepers, with Gerónimo Rulli emerging as a strong contender for the backup role. The competition for the third goalkeeper spot is currently between Juan Musso, who holds the advantage, and Walter Benítez and Facundo Cambeses.
Beyond retirements, some players have gradually fallen out of favor. Alejandro Gómez, a key component in the build-up to the Qatar World Cup, hasn’t been called up since. A serious ankle injury sustained during the round of 16 match against Australia required surgery, and a subsequent doping suspension further hampered his progress. Now attempting to regain form in the Italian second tier, his replacement appears to be Nicolás González, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to a pre-tournament injury.
Other established players have seen their roles diminish. Guido Rodríguez, a regular starter during much of Scaloni’s tenure, has lost ground in the midfield to more dynamic options. The potential return of Giovani Lo Celso from a recent injury will further strengthen the midfield competition, adding another quality player to the mix. Paulo Dybala has similarly struggled to maintain a consistent place in the squad, plagued by recurring physical issues that have limited his playing time for the national team. The emergence of Nicolás Paz, a promising young talent, is challenging Dybala’s position.
The defensive line is also undergoing changes. Germán Pezzella is nearing the end of his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that sidelined him for months. In his absence, younger center-backs like Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, and Marcos Senesi have gained valuable experience and are pushing for starting roles.
On the left flank, Marcos Acuña’s position is also uncertain. Injuries and a dip in form at River Plate have impacted his playing time, opening the door for alternatives, notably Valentín Barco, who is impressing with Racing de Estrasburgo.
The attacking options are also evolving. Ángel Correa, a member of the World Cup-winning squad, has moved to Tigres UANL in Mexico, a move that appears to have distanced him from the national team picture. New candidates for that attacking role have emerged, including José Manuel López, Juan Panichelli, and Valentín Castellanos.
Unfortunately, some absences are due to misfortune. Juan Foyth, once considered a rotational option in defense, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for Villarreal, ruling him out of contention. Valentín Carboni, though not part of the 2022 World Cup squad, had been called up for the 2024 Copa América but has since suffered a knee ligament injury, forcing him to undergo another lengthy rehabilitation process.
Despite these changes, the core of the championship team remains influential in the dressing room. However, the passage of time and the emergence of new talent are driving a necessary period of renewal. As Scaloni continues to refine his squad, some veterans are stepping aside, while others battle injuries or a loss of form. The Scaloneta is beginning to take shape as it prepares to defend its crown in just over three months.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents a unique challenge with its expanded 48-team format. This change necessitates a deeper and more versatile squad, and Scaloni appears intent on building a team capable of navigating the complexities of the new tournament structure. The coming months will be crucial in determining which players will ultimately represent Argentina on the world stage.
Argentina’s next confirmed fixture is a friendly match against Ecuador on June 14, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This match will provide a valuable opportunity for Scaloni to assess his options and fine-tune his squad ahead of the tournament. Fans can stay updated on team news and squad announcements through the official AFA website: https://www.afa.com.ar/.
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