Argentina at World Cup 2026: what does defending the title look like?

The context

Defending a World Cup is the hardest thing in international football. Only Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) have ever done it, and neither has come close since. Argentina arrive at 2026 with the added challenge of Lionel Messi entering the tournament aged 38.

The core

The core that won 2022 is largely intact. Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina and Julián Álvarez have all continued to play regular top-flight football. The midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and De Paul is one of the tactical strengths of the modern game.

The Messi question

Messi's role has already evolved. In 2022 he was still the primary shot-taker; by 2026 he will more likely operate as a No. 10 creator with a lower work rate but a higher decisive influence in the last third. Scaloni has been open about needing to construct a system that maximises the moments Messi is on the pitch without depending on his running numbers.

The system

Argentina's 4-4-2 with Messi drifting between the lines has been the tactical constant of Scaloni's era. Expect variations against different opponents but that base shape to remain.

The path

Argentina will enter as top seeds in one of the 12 groups. The 32-team knockout means they will play one extra match compared to Qatar — a real burden on an ageing squad but one the coaching staff has been preparing for since the schedule was confirmed.