Argentina has unveiled its preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament begins on June 17, with the reigning champions set to start their title defense against Algeria in Group J. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has named a robust 55-man roster, demonstrating the nation’s depth in talent.
Key Players in the Preliminary Squad
The squad features notable players who contributed to Argentina’s victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Iconic forward Lionel Messi leads the list. Other prominent players include:
- Lautaro Martinez
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Emiliano Martinez
- Alexis Mac Allister
Surprising Absences
Despite the wealth of talent, some key players were notably absent. Paulo Dybala, a forward for AS Roma, was excluded after a challenging season in Serie A, where he scored only two goals in 21 matches.
Another unexpected exclusion was Aaron Anselmino. The 20-year-old defender, currently on loan from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund, has yet to receive a senior call-up from Scaloni.
Overview of Anselmino’s Season
Anselmino joined Borussia Dortmund for the first half of the 2025-2026 season. He made 10 appearances across competitions, including six in the Bundesliga. His debut showcased his potential, with strong performances such as:
- Five clearances against Union Berlin
- Three ground duels won
Unfortunately, injuries hindered his progression. A muscle injury sidelined him for almost two months. Upon returning, he suffered another hamstring injury after just four appearances. His last match was against Union Berlin, where he played 21 minutes before being recalled by Chelsea.
Continued Injury Challenges
Anselmino’s new loan to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg has not resolved his injury issues. He again faced hamstring problems, limiting his contributions to just 15 minutes in league play. Given these setbacks, it is understandable why he was not included in the national squad.
Future Prospects
Despite the current challenges, Anselmino is only 21 years old. If he can overcome his injury troubles and continue to develop his skills, future opportunities with the Argentine national team remain a possibility.
