Garnacho, Fernandez, no Messi: Argentina's predicted line-up for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

In 2026, Argentina will attempt to become the first nation since the Brazil side of 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup – but just how might the Albiceleste line up?

Lionel Scaloni’s men clinched the grandest prize in all of international football by defeating France on penalties in one of the most pulsating finals of all time earlier this month.

Argentina’s surge to glory in Qatar was underpinned by the electric form of their talismanic captain Lionel Messi, who took home the Golden Ball trophy for his magnificent efforts during the competition.

In three-and-a-half years’ time, though, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar will be 39 years old.

Despite reportedly privately claiming that he would ‘keep the shirt on’ to help his country defend their crown in 2026, it’s almost unfathomable that he will still be playing at the highest level by the time the next World Cup rolls around.

It’s for that reason that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner doesn’t make The Sun’s predicted Argentina XI for the 2026 tournament.

Other World Cup winners who are tipped to be out of the picture by that point include Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi and Rodrigo De Paul.

However, a number of exciting emerging talents are tipped to take their place in a line-up that suggests Argentina will have every chance of retaining their title when they make the trip north for the 23rd edition of the tournament, which is to be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Let’s now take a look at the predicted XI in full.

GK – EMILIANO MARTINEZ (ASTON VILLA), CURRENT AGE – 30

RB – NAHUEL MOLINA (ATLETICO MADRID), 24

CB – CRISTIAN ROMERO (TOTTENHAM), 24

CB – LISANDRO MARTINEZ (MAN UTD), 24

LB – FRANCO CARBONI (INTER MILAN), 19

RM – EMILIANO BUENDIA (ASTON VILLA), 25

CM – ENZO FERNANDEZ (BENFICA), 21

CM – ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER (BRIGHTON), 23

LM – ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (MAN UTD), 18

ST – LAUTARO MARTINEZ (INTER MILAN), 25

ST – JULIAN ALVAREZ (MAN CITY), 22

The first thing that immediately when looking at the above team is just how youthful it is today.

Only goalkeeper Emi Martinez has reached 30. He’ll be 33 when the next World Cup takes place, which is hardly old for a goalkeeper.

Tottenham’s Romero retains his place at the heart of the defence and should just be entering his prime in 2026.

The same can be said for Lisandro Martinez, who is taken to become an automatic starter for his country when Otamendi drops out of contention.

World Cup winner Molina is tipped to form a full-back partnership with Inter Milan youngster Carboni.

Understandably, 2022 Young Player of the Tournament Fernandez keeps his place in the centre of the park, as does versatile Brighton man Mac Allister.

2022 World Cup quiz: How much do you remember about the tournament?

Change, however, is inevitable on the flanks, where Messi and Di Maria have almost certainly played their final minutes at a World Cup.

Aston Villa’s Buendia and Garnacho of Man United were both arguably unfortunate to miss out on a spot in Scaloni’s squad for Qatar.

However, the duo have made the theoretical cut for 2026. Garnacho, in particular, has shown early signs that he has the talent to potentially become Argentina’s main playmaker moving forward.

Alvarez shone brightly in his debut World Cup, helping himself to four goals in seven games. The Man City frontman will be intent on adding to that tally next time out.

While Alvarez thrived on the big stage, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez never truly found his groove in Qatar. He’s proved his ability in Serie A, though, and his 2022 experience can only help him at his next World Cup.

Naturally, even more talent will emerge over the next few years for the Albiceleste. We know that retaining the World Cup has proven a monumental task in the past, but it’s hard not to get excited about Argentina’s chances when you look at the above XI – even if it’s missing the greatest player of all time.