All Argentina players set to make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 ft. Nico Paz & Valentín Barco
(Courtesy : Getty)
Many fresh faces have been named in the roster.
The defending champions, Argentina, have finally confirmed their squad for the 2026 World Cup, but most of the names are those who featured in a previous World Cup. However, there are a handful of new faces who will be playing in their first biggest competition in the sport next month.
The squad will now travel to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But there are a few new faces who will be eager to demonstrate their quality in the 2026 World Cup.
Here are all the Argentina players set to make their FIFA World Cup debut next month:
List of players who will be playing in their first World Cup with Argentina
| Rank | Player | Club |
| 8 | Juan Musso | Atlético Madrid |
| 7 | Leonardo Balerdi | Marseille |
| 6 | José López | Palmeiras |
| 5 | Nicolás González | Atletico Madrid |
| 4 | Facundo Medina | Marseille |
| 3 | Giuliano Simeone | Atletico Madrid |
| 2 | Nico Paz | Como |
| 1 | Valentín Barco | Strasbourg |
8. Juan Musso (32 years old)
Juan Musso will travel with other Argentine players to the 2026 World Cup after being named in their squad for the first time, and will also participate in his first World Cup. His call-up has been attributed to his performance for Atletico Madrid, after Jan Oblak suffered a serious injury that saw him miss the remainder of the season.
Musso was trusted with his place and played a key part in Atletico’s season, which resulted in his call-up to Argentina’s squad.
Also Read: Argentina’s Full FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule – Dates, kick-off times & venues
7. Leonardo Balerdi (27 years old)
Argentina’s team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup includes centre-back Leonardo Balerdi. On September 10, 2019, he made his senior Argentina squad debut against Mexico in a friendly game. This season, his excellent form for Marseille convinced Scaloni to give him a call-up to the La Albiceleste World Cup 2026 roster.
6. José López (25 years old)
José Manuel “Flaco” López, an Argentine attacker, has been called up to the Argentina national squad for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The Palmeiras striker’s outstanding performance in the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro earned him a position in the 26-man roster.
His steady goal-scoring and playmaking for Palmeiras, a Brazilian team, attracted the attention of head coach Lionel Scaloni prior to his international debut.
5. Nicolás González (28 years old)
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nicolás González has been called up to the Argentina national squad. Despite being nearing the end of his recuperation from a recent muscle rupture, the Atlético de Madrid forward will be part of Lionel Scaloni’s final 26-man roster.
4. Facundo Medina (27 years old)
Facundo Medina has received a call-up to the Argentina national squad for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Lionel Scaloni’s final 26-man roster for the competition includes the Olympique de Marseille defender. Following a successful season at the club level following his transfer from Lens, Medina was included.
Also Read: Top five players left out of Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final squad ft. Dybala & Mastantuono
3. Giuliano Simeone (23 years old)
Giuliano Simeone has received a call-up to the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup.
After a successful domestic season, the 23-year-old attacker, son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, earned his place in the national team lineup. His father played for Argentina at the World Cup; thus, his recent call-up carries on a long tradition.
2. Nico Paz (21 years old)
Argentina have named Nico Paz to the World Cup squad. Lionel Scaloni has revealed his 26-man roster. Argentina’s official release lists the Como midfielder as a forward.
Following an amazing debut season in which he contributed 21 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, the budding star was added to the Albiceleste roster. Paz has solidified his status as one of Europe’s most inventive young playmakers since moving on loan to Serie A.
1. Valentín Barco (21 years old)
Valentín Barco has also made it to Argentina’s squad following a strong season for Strasbourg. The midfielder has impressed this season, which was enough to convince Scaloni to name the youngster in the World Cup squad. Moreover, this will be Barco’s first-ever World Cup, and he will be ready to put up a strong outing with his colleagues in the games.
How many new names have been named in La Albiceleste’s squad?
Eight new faces are there.
Who are some of the top names?
Paz, Barco and Simeone.
Has Paz played for the La Albiceleste senior team?
Yes, during the friendlies.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.