ไทย
English
中國人
Argentina begins its World Cup title defense against a formidable Algeria side at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
For several months, questions lingered over whether Lionel Messi would step back onto the World Cup stage, four years after his iconic triumph in Qatar, but the 38-year-old has decided to represent his country once again.
Austria and Jordan round out Group J, with Argentina widely expected to cruise through the group stage with a perfect three-win record. Given the wealth of experience throughout Lionel Scaloni's squad, that target appears well within reach.
Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Algeria
Pick Your Argentina XI!
GK: Emiliano Martínez—Voted the finest goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup and recipient of the Golden Glove at the 2024 Copa América, Martínez recently returned to full training following a finger injury. His presence, along with his polarizing personality, provides a significant boost to Argentina.
RB: Nahuel Molina—A veteran of the triumphant 2022 squad, Molina is a reliable full back under Scaloni, contributing effectively in both attack and defense.
CB: Cristian Romero—Having missed the tail end of Tottenham Hotspur's dismal 2025–26 Premier League campaign through injury, Romero is now fully fit. His primary challenge will be keeping his fiery temperament in check.
CB: Nicolás Otamendi—At 38 years of age, Otamendi ranks among Argentina's most-capped players of all time. Only Messi, who is poised to surpass the 200-cap milestone at this tournament, boasts more international experience in the current squad.
LB: Nicolás Tagliafico—If you were to look up the words "solid" and "dependable" in the dictionary, there's a good chance you'd find Nicolás Tagliafico's name right alongside them.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister—It's no secret that Liverpool's No. 10 endured a difficult 2025–26 season. Fortunately, he can draw on his impressive 2022 World Cup showing for confidence, and he'll be eager to silence his critics.
CM: Rodrigo De Paul—De Paul made the move from Atlético Madrid to Inter Miami last year, yet his form hasn't suffered in the slightest. He'll be tasked with covering every blade of grass in the midfield.
CM: Enzo Fernández—Rumors continue to swirl around Fernández's future at Chelsea, but the dynamic midfielder must focus on letting his performances on the pitch speak for themselves.
RW: Lionel Messi—Can arguably the greatest footballer to ever play the game deliver back-to-back World Cup titles after waiting a lifetime for his first? Don't count him out.
CF: Lautaro Martínez—Eleven of Martínez's 37 international goals have come during World Cup qualifying, yet he remains without a goal at the tournament itself. That will need to change if the defending champions are to fulfill their ambitions.
LW: Thiago Almada—The compact winger, standing just 5'7", has cemented his place in the side over the past year and has earned Scaloni's full confidence. He'll need to deliver consistently to keep the likes of Nico Paz and Julian Alvárez waiting in the wings.