Defending champions Argentina have become the first Latin American team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. However, each continental team still has four matches left in the World Cup qualifiers. The CONMEBOL teams will play two matches each in the June FIFA window. Argentina, who are at the top of the points table, have announced their 28-member preliminary squad for the upcoming two matches. This time, they have chosen a novel approach in announcing the squad.
Earlier, several cricket teams have been seen announcing their teams through ordinary citizens or people working in various fields in the World Cup announcement. Albilesteras have also followed that path this time. Last March, at least 16 people died and about 1,200 people were displaced in a terrible flood in the Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca. In their memory, the Argentine squad has been announced through the faces of citizens of different ages and professions of Bahia. Although some of them will be excluded from the final team.
Lionel Scaloni’s team will play qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia this month. Superstar Lionel Messi is returning to the national team with these two matches. Argentina played without him in the FIFA window last March due to an adductor muscle injury. Although that did not cause problems for Julián Alvarez-Lautaro Martinez. Where they defeated strong Uruguay and arch-rivals Brazil. Before taking the field against the Seleção, the Albileste were guaranteed direct participation in the next World Cup.
Argentina will face Chile as visitors on the morning of June 6 at the National Julio Martinez Stadium. Their opponent in the second match of this window is Colombia on June 11. The match will be held at the Albiceleste’s home ground, Mas Monumental, in Buenos Aires at 6 am Bangladesh time. The squad announced for the upcoming two matches includes the surprise inclusion of Mariano Troilo and Franco Mastantuyano, who play for their home club. However, there is no place for Nicolas Domingos (injury), Alejandro Garnacho, Valentin Castellanos and Alexis Mc-Allister (injury discomfort).
If they make it to the final squad, three young footballers could have their chances in the upcoming two matches. In addition to Troilo and Franco, Kevin Lomonaco has been called up to Scaloni’s starting line-up. In addition, Valencia midfielder Enzo Barenchier, who has been called up to the national team before, has yet to make his debut. He is also in the starting squad this time. The final squad will be announced a few days before the match, excluding some players from the announced squad.
Argentina’s preliminary squad:
Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, Mariano Troilo, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Valentin Berco, John Foyth, Kevin Lomonaco, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Barenchia, Enzo Fernandez, Ezaquel Palacios, Thiego Almada, Nico Paz, Rodrigo de Paul, Giovanni Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julián Álvarez, Nicolas Gonzales, Franco Mastantuyano, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez.
