Argentina go to the 2026 World Cup carrying a rare burden, trying to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back tournaments. Since then, no reigning champion has defended the title, and four of the last five champions, Germany, Spain, Italy and France, were eliminated in the group stage at the next World Cup.
The piece notes that since 1986, 10 world champions have attempted to retain the trophy. Three reached the final in the next edition, but four exited in the group stage. Argentina, which won in 2022, also arrives as FIFA's world No. 1, though no top-ranked team has ever won the World Cup from that position.
Lionel Scaloni's team also comes in with strong recent results, including the Copa America title and a convincing qualifying campaign that ended with Argentina first to clinch a place from South America and on 38 points. The article says the draw looks favorable on paper, with Uruguay likely in the round of 32, Turkey or the United States in the round of 16, and Portugal possible in the quarterfinals, which could create a Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo knockout match if both teams advance.
Argentina's main concerns are squad aging and whether key players are still at the required level. Nine of the 11 starters from the World Cup final also started in the 4-1 win over Brazil in qualifying, with Angel Di Maria the only other exception besides Messi, who is expected to start again. Several defenders and midfielders, including Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico and Gonzalo Montiel, are described as having uneven club situations, while only Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez are presented as in-form European-based stars. Scaloni is credited with tactical flexibility, and Messi, now 39 during the group stage, remains central to Argentina's hopes.
