Summary of Argentina New Players For World Cup Squad 2026

The video provides an in-depth preview of Argentina’s potential new players for the 2026 World Cup squad, focusing especially on defensive weaknesses and emerging talents across all positions. The presenter emphasizes the importance of monitoring these young players over the next year to understand who might secure a spot in the national team, given the ruthless selection approach of coach Lionel Scaloni, who prioritizes form and balance over fame.

Right Back:

Current options Molina and Montiel have shown inconsistent form and may lose their spots if they don’t improve.
Rising star Augustin Goye (21, Palmeiras) impresses defensively and tactically, capable of playing as a right back or defensive center-back. He is aggressive, involved in play, and could be a key player if he gains experience and possibly transfers to River Plate or a European club.
Tobias Rubio (Racing Club) and Julian O’Day are other prospects but less likely to make the squad due to limited experience and playing outside Europe.

Left Back:

Tagliafico (30+) remains a solid defensive option but aging; Akuniya has been out of recent selections.
Welthan Barco (Brighton, loaned to Sevilla and Starsbourg) is technically skilled but currently plays as a defensive midfielder rather than left back.
Hulio Soler (Bournemouth) is preferred by the presenter for his dynamism, balance between attack and defense, and versatility. His playing time this season will be crucial for his World Cup chances.

Center Back:

Veteran Otamendi (37-38) may retire or be phased out due to age and fitness concerns.
Christian Romero is a key starter.
Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) is recovering from injury and his form this season is critical; he offers ball-playing ability and versatility.
Facundo Medina and Kevin Lomonaco (Independiente) are promising backups, with Lomonaco having experience in youth World Cups and showing good recent form despite limited European senior experience.
German Pezzella remains a long-standing squad member.

Midfield:

Argentina has strong depth with players like Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, De Paul, and Palacios.
Thiago Almada is highlighted as a powerful and promising midfielder expected to be in the squad, especially with recent good form.
Nicopas is an attacking midfielder with good stats but less experience and uncertain playing time.
Maximo Perrone plays deeper and could be a squad option.
Enzo Bernechea (Valladolid) is a lesser-known but technically gifted deep-lying playmaker, compared to Paredes, with potential to break through.
Milton Delgado (Boca Juniors, 19) is a highly promising defensive midfielder compared to Verratti, noted for his positioning, dribbling, and defensive solidity; expected to get exposure in the Club World Cup and possibly attract European interest.
Ignacio Fernandez (22) is another reliable midfielder who has played under Mascherano at the Olympics.

Attack:

Lautaro Martinez is the established lethal striker and likely captain for Inter Milan.
Julian Alvarez and Santiago Castro are other forward options, with Castro having been called up previously.
Joaquín Correa is often selected but less favored by the presenter.

Wingers:

Argentina’s traditional winger era has ended with retirements of stars like Di Maria and Lavezzi.
Emerging wingers include Giuliano Simeone, Valentin Carboni (praised by Messi), and Nico Gonzalez.
Matias Soulé (Roma) is a left-footed inverted winger known for set pieces and pace, performing well in Europe’s first half of the 2023-24 season.
Benjamin Dominguez (Bologna) offers depth off the bench.
Alejandro Garnacho is a fast winger with potential but struggles with consistency; his future depends on playing time and development.
Franco Mastanuno (17) is the presenter’s top exciting prospect, recently making a high-profile move to Real Madrid and expected to get opportunities due to Xabi Alonso’s youth-friendly management.

Projected Lineup and Tactical Notes:

The presenter envisions a balanced and dynamic lineup with Augustin Goye at right back and Hulio Soler at left back, supported by a strong midfield core including Almada, Mac Allister, Paredes, and Enzo Fernandez, with Messi still playing a role possibly on either wing or centrally.
The defense would ideally include Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Otamendi (if fit), and Baldi.
Attack led by Lautaro Martinez with support from Alvarez and possibly Mastanuno or other young wingers.
Scaloni’s team selection is merit-based and ruthless, emphasizing current form and tactical balance over reputation.

Additional Notes:

Paulo Dybala is mentioned as a hopeful inclusion if he regains form and consistent.