Lionel Scaloni Announces Argentina’s 55-Player Pre-List for 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup just a month away, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has unveiled a pre-list of 55 players selected by head coach Lionel Scaloni. The prestigious tournament will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and will feature some of the world’s best players, including the iconic Lionel Messi.
Notable Players and Teams Represented
Among the 55 players, Scaloni has included six representatives from River Plate and four from Boca Juniors, two of Argentina’s most storied clubs.
River Plate’s Contingent
The River Plate players named in the pre-list are:
- Santiago Beltran
- Gonzalo Montiel
- Lucas Martínez Quarta
- Germán Pezzella
- Marcos Acuña
- Anibal Moreno
Boca Juniors’ Representation
From Boca Juniors, the selected players are:
- Lautaro Di Lollo
- Leandro Paredes
- Milton Delgado
- Tomás Aranda
Key Additions and Surprises
Aside from the established stars, Scaloni has included some lesser-known players, such as Gabriel Rojas from Racing Club and Facundo Cambeses, who is expected to provide additional depth in the goalkeeper position. Interestingly, Nicolás Capaldo, formerly of Boca and currently with Hamburg SV, has been named despite not having featured in any official matches under Scaloni’s management.
Other young and emerging talents making the cut are Alejandro Garnacho, playing for Chelsea, and Matías Soulé, who has made an impact in Serie A with Roma. Fans will also recognize Gianluca Prestianni, who was included following his performance in friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia.
Preparation and Upcoming Friendlies
As the national team anticipates the start of the World Cup, players will finish up their club duties before joining the AFA training camp in Ezeiza. They will then travel to Kansas, where they’ll prepare for the tournament ahead. Leading up to the World Cup, Argentina will face friendly matches against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
Their first match in the group stage will be against Algeria on June 16 at the Los Angeles Stadium, kicking off their journey in Group J.
World Cup Group Draw
Argentina finds themselves in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan—teams they will need to navigate successfully to advance to the knockout stage.
Conclusion
Scaloni’s pre-list for the World Cup not only highlights the depth of Argentine football but also showcases the blend of experience and youthful exuberance that may define Argentina’s quest for glory in the 2026 World Cup. As the nation gears up to support their team, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting tournament.