Lionel Scaloni has announced the kickoff of World Cup qualifying with a mix of familiar names and new faces for the journey ahead. The Argentina national team is gearing up to defend the world title won in Qatar, and the road to the 2026 tournament through the United States, Canada, and Mexico begins with a double date against Ecuador followed by Bolivia. The approach signals a careful balance between the continuity that delivered the last title and the fresh energy required to sustain it across a longer qualification cycle.
The Asociación del Fútbol Argentino AFA released the provisional roster comprising 32 players a week before the first match against La Tri. The selection raised eyebrows due to the size of the group, yet it aligns with plans to evaluate a broader pool as the program progresses. Several players on the list previously received official calls to train under the leadership of Javier Mascherano with the under 23 squad, highlighting a pipeline that blends senior experience with emerging talent.
Beyond that context, the list includes 22 of the 26 players who formed the core of the squad that opened the era after the historic victory over France on penalties last December. The composition points to strategic decisions about which athletes will best contribute as qualifiers kick into high gear, while others are kept in mind for future phases of the campaign. The coaching staff has emphasized evaluating versatility across multiple positions and ensuring that the squad remains cohesive under pressure as the schedule intensifies.
As the program moves forward, the players and coaching team will assess form, fitness, and readiness for the demanding matches ahead. The focus rests on building confidence, maintaining tactical flexibility, and leveraging the depth of talent available to Argentina. The conversation around the roster often centers on how emerging talents can mature within the national team system while seasoned veterans provide leadership on and off the field.
Observers note that the process in this qualifying cycle aims to preserve the championship spirit while widening the net to discover players who can contribute at different stages of the campaign. The dynamics of this evolving roster reflect a broader strategy to sustain success across a longer qualifying period and into a debutant but highly competitive 2026 World Cup race. The update underscores the ongoing work behind national team decisions and the importance of aligning selection with the tactical plan and the collective ambition of Argentina on the world stage.
Goal reported the roster reveal and the surrounding context, reinforcing how the team is approaching the next steps with a mix of continuity and renewal to navigate the path toward another Olympic of international competition (Goal).