Argentina are through to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup after finishing top of Group J with a perfect record of three wins from three and nine points from a possible nine. They will face Cape Verde for a place in the last 16.
Lionel Scaloni’s side were dominant throughout the group stage, conceding just once across their three matches while underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.
They opened with a convincing win over Algeria, followed that up with a controlled victory against Austria, and rounded off the group stage with another strong performance against Jordan to complete a perfect campaign.
Argentina World Cup 2026 route to the final
If Argentina are able to come through their Round of 32 tie with Cape Verde, a place in the last 16 would follow, where they could face either Australia or Egypt.
The quarter-finals could then bring a meeting with either Colombia or Switzerland, before a potential semi-final against England or Brazil.
READ MORE: Get the latest Argentina World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Algeria World Cup 2026 stats
Argentina key players for World Cup 2026
Argentina top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Lionel Messi
- Key stat: Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals following his hat-trick against Algeria.
There were question marks over whether Lionel Messi was still the unstoppable force he once was heading into the World Cup. But, anyone would doubted him was made to look silly after he scored a sensational hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria, which saw him equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals.
Argentina primary playmaker: Enzo Fernandez
- Key stat: Enzo Fernandez assisted three goals for Argentina in qualifying and assisted three goals for Chelsea in their Club World Cup win in the USA last summer.
Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez managed three assists each in qualifying, but sitting in a deeper position, Enzo Fernandez will be able to dictate the tempo for Lionel Scaloni this summer. The Chelsea midfielder completed 87.5% of his 471 attempted passes at the last World Cup, including 43 passes in the final third and he’ll be expected to get on the ball as often as possible for his side this summer.
Argentina card magnets & top tacklers: Gonzalo Montiel
- Key stat: Gonzalo Montiel was one of only two players the 2022 World Cup to be carded more than twice.
Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup Final, but he also rather impressively managed to pick up three bookings at the tournament, despite only starting one game and coming off the bench in three. Argentina had the worst disciplinary record at that tournament, receiving a total of 17 bookings – three more than any other team.
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 has enjoyed a terrific first season in Serie A, scoring 12 times and assisting on six occassions too. He won’t start, but could prove to be a vital option of the bench.
STAND-OUT STAT: Argentina hold the record for the most penalty shootout victories in World Cup history with six.
Argentina set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Lionel Messi
- Free kicks: Lionel Messi
- Corners: Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul
Argentina tactical analysis and formation
Team stats from qualifying:
- Corners: 112 (10th)
- Shots on target: 4.5 per match (2nd)
- Shots on target conceded: 1.7 per match (1st)
Lionel Scaloni is nothing if not adaptable and while his team nominally sets up in either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, it regularly drops into a 4-4-2 out of possession to create two banks of four and frustrate an opposition frontline. 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.
There may be a handful of decisions for Scaloni to make when it comes to his final selection and it was noticeable that Lautaro Martinez was not always a guaranteed starter during qualifying. Whether that will remain the case once we reach the real business of a major tournament remains to be seen as Scaloni could be tempted to keep faith in his elder statesmen given the success they brought him four years ago.
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 47-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 | GF | GA | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Scaloni | Argentina | 97 | 70 | 18 | 9 | 201 | 49 | 72.16% |
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?
Many are hoping Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami star is yet to confirm or deny whether he’ll turn out for his nation next summer. That said, it would be a huge shock were Messi not to represent Argentina in North America. Experienced Benfica centre-back Nicolas Otamendi is vice-captain.
Who is Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Lionel Messi is currently Argentina’s top scorer at World Cups having struck 13 times in the tournament. Seven of those came in Qatar back in 2022.
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