is argentina in the world cup 2026

2 min read 14-03-2025

Meta Description: Will Argentina be at the World Cup 2026? Find out if the reigning champions have qualified, their chances, and what to expect from Lionel Messi and the team in the next tournament! Discover the qualifying process and potential challenges.

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat – the FIFA World Cup is a spectacle unlike any other. With Argentina's stunning victory in 2022, the question on many football fans' minds is: Is Argentina in the World Cup 2026? The short answer is: it's too early to definitively say yes or no. However, we can delve into the qualifying process and their likely chances.

Understanding World Cup Qualification

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This means a significantly expanded tournament with 48 teams competing, up from the 32 in Qatar 2022. This expansion changes the qualifying process, making it more complex but also potentially increasing Argentina's chances.

CONMEBOL Qualification: Argentina's Path

Argentina, as a member of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), will participate in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. This is a round-robin tournament where each team plays every other team home and away. The top teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup. The exact number of automatic qualifying spots from CONMEBOL for the 2026 World Cup is yet to be finalized by FIFA but is expected to be higher than previous tournaments.

Argentina's Strengths

Reigning Champions: Argentina's recent World Cup triumph is a massive boost to their confidence and morale. This victory instills a winning mentality and provides invaluable experience for the team.
Lionel Messi's Presence: While his international future remains uncertain after the 2022 win, Messi's continued presence would significantly bolster Argentina's chances. His leadership and unparalleled skill remain vital.
Strong Squad Depth: Argentina boasts a talented squad with emerging stars complementing established veterans. This depth provides flexibility and resilience to overcome challenges.

Potential Challenges

Competition within CONMEBOL: CONMEBOL is notoriously competitive, with teams like Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia posing significant threats. Qualifying will be a tough battle.
Maintaining Momentum: The challenge for Argentina lies in maintaining the high level of performance that secured their 2022 victory. The pressure of being the defending champions will be immense.
Injuries and Form: The unpredictable nature of football means injuries and fluctuations in players' form can significantly impact a team's performance.

Predicting Argentina's Chances

Given Argentina's current strength, recent success, and the expanded number of qualifying spots, their chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup are exceptionally high. While nothing is guaranteed in football, a failure to qualify would be a massive upset.

Conclusion: Expect to See Argentina

While we can't definitively say "yes" until the qualifying matches are complete, the odds are heavily in Argentina's favor. Their recent World Cup victory, strong squad, and experienced players suggest that they will be strong contenders in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Expect to see the Argentinian national team, possibly with Lionel Messi leading the charge, battling for a place in the expanded 2026 World Cup. The world will be watching!