Argentina have continued the defence of their World Cup crown by qualifying for the quarter-finals in North America.
La Albiceleste were crowned world champions four years ago by beating France on penalties, and entered this tournament hoping to become just the third nation to retain the World Cup.
Argentina are still perfect at the 2026 World Cup, winning all six of their games so far. They finished top of their group with nine points, beating Algeria, Austria and Jordan. That set up a round-of-32 tie against Cape Verde, which was tougher than Argentina would have liked. They needed extra-time to eventually beat the tournament debutants, having twice been pegged back.
Egypt were up next and brought another tricky customer. The Pharaohs held a two-goal lead until late on and looked to be knocking Argentina out. But La Albiceleste scored three goals in the final 11 minutes to prevent the upset and reach the quarter-finals once again.
Then Switzerland awaited them in the quarter-finals. Lionel Scaloni’s men got the job done in extra time following a 1-1 stalemate in normal time, with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez helping secure their semi-final spot.
Get all the latest Argentina stats as the tournament unfolds plus the latest squad, manager and fixture information for the world champions here.
Argentina World Cup 2026 route to the final
That 3-1 victory over Switzerland sets up a ferocious semi-final with England on Wednesday 15th July. All routes lead to the 2026 World Cup Final on Sunday 19th July.
READ MORE: Get the latest Argentina World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Argentina World Cup 2026 stats
Argentina’s key players for World Cup 2026
Argentina top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Lionel Messi
- Key stat: Lionel Messi has scored more goals in World Cup history than any other player (21).
Lionel Messi is trying to win the World Cup Golden Boot for the first time in his career, in what will surely be his last tournament. And he’s given himself a very big chance. The Argentine has scored eight goals at the 2026 World Cup so far, with no player netting more. He’s found the net in all five of Argentina’s games, and his past nine in the World Cup in total. It’s a run that has seen Messi overtake Miroslav Klose as the highest-scoring man in World Cup history.
Argentina primary playmaker: Lionel Messi
- Key stat: Lionel Messi has created 15 chances for Argentina at the World Cup, 11 more than any other player.
As well as being Argentina’s most-potent scorer, he is also their key creator. A lot of Argentina’s success this summer depends on the 39-year-old. Messi provided his first assist of the tournament last time out, taking the all-time World Cup record. Overall, he has created 15 chances for Argentina at the World Cup this summer, which is quite a bit more than any other player. Nico Gonzalez, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister are joint-second, but they still trail Messi when their chances created are combined. Messi has also created as many big chances (six) as the rest of the Argentina squad combined.
Argentina card magnet & top tackler: Alexis Mac Allister
- Key stat: Alexis Mac Allister has made 15 tackles at the 2026 World Cup so far.
Only one Argentina player has hit double digits for tackles at the World Cup so far this summer. And that man is Alexis Mac Allister. He has formed part of a midfield duo alongside Enzo Fernandez with the dual roles of defending and attacking. Mac Allister’s 15 tackles at the World Cup is six more than any of his teammates. But he’s not too bad at committing fouls, with only five to date. Three players have committed more fouls, but Lautaro Martinez — who leads the way — is just two ahead of Mac Allister.
Argentina rising star: Nico Paz
A few highly-rated Argentina stars such as Franco Mastantuono and Alejandro Garnacho have missed out on this squad, but there is a place for Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz. The 21-year-old enjoyed a terrific first season in Serie A, and has provided an option off the bench so far.
STAND-OUT STAT: Argentina hold the record for the most penalty-shootout victories in World Cup history with six.
Argentina’s set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Lionel Messi
- Free kicks: Lionel Messi
- Corners: Lionel Messi
Argentina tactical analysis and formation
Argentina team stats (average per game at World Cup 2026):
- Corners: 4.6
- Shots on target: 6.4
- Shots on target conceded: 1.8
- Offsides: 2.8
Lionel Scaloni has been lining Argentina up in a 4-4-2 on paper at the World Cup so far. But it’s fluid, and allows rotation on the pitch to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Regardless of what the shape is, Messi will be given the freedom to roam and pick up space wherever it is to be found, which given his ability is hardly surprising.
Lautaro Martinez has started alongside Messi despite not always being a guaranteed starter during qualifying. The team has largely stayed the the same through the World Cup, with Thiago Almada getting a place on the left wing. Rodrigo De Paul’s position on the right ties into the fluidity to build a midfield trio.
Get the latest Argentina World Cup goals, shots, tackle, assist stats are more here.
Argentina manager analysis
Lionel Scaloni has spent his entire managerial career in international football. The 48-year-old briefly coached Argentina’s under-20 side before the Argentine Football Association appointed him as senior manager in 2018 following the departure of Jorge Sampaoli. At the time, the decision represented a significant gamble by the Argentine FA due to Scaloni’s limited coaching experience.
Scaloni’s inexperience could have worked against the Albiceleste but instead, Argentina have thrived. Indeed, they’ve won the Copa America twice, the Finalissima against Italy and, most importantly, the World Cup in Qatar back in 2022.
The Argentine is currently contracted to the national team until after the 2026 World Cup, though success in North America next summer would see the decision makers strive to tie the former midfielder to a new deal.
The stats below are from his current spell in charge of the team.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Scaloni | Argentina | 102 | 75 | 18 | 9 | 73.28% |
Argentina World Cup FAQs
Have Argentina ever won the World Cup?
Yes, Argentina have won the World Cup three times in their history. Their first success came in 1978, while they again achieved glory in 1986. Argentina won the most recent World Cup, beating France in the final in 2022. They are aiming to become just the third nation to defend their crown.
Where did Argentina finish at the last World Cup?
Argentina were crowned World Champions in Qatar three years’ ago. They drew with France 3-3 in the final before downing Les Bleus 4-2 on penalties.
Who will be Argentina captain at the World Cup?
Lionel Messi has been captaining Argentina at the World Cup this summer.
Who is Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Lionel Messi is the all-time leading scorer at World Cups, scoring 21 goals.
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