The 2026 World Cup final showcases Argentina and Spain, marking Argentina’s second consecutive title pursuit following their 2022 triumph in Qatar.
Argentina’s squad benefits from exceptional continuity, with 17 players from the 2022 championship-winning team retained in the 2026 roster.
The core retaining players include: Gerónimo Rulli, Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, and Lautaro Martínez.
The 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: John Musso, Geronimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martinez.
The team of the final (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Defenders: Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, and Nahuel Molina.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás González, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández.
Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, José Manuel López, and Lautaro Martínez.
The 2022 team
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Gerónimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez.
Defenders: Juan Foyth, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, and Marcos Acuña.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Ángel Di María, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alejandro Gómez, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández.
Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Ángel Correa, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martínez.
