Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue as Lionel Scaloni’s side gear up for two October friendlies in the United States. The reigning world champions have already sealed their qualification for the coming tournament in the summer.
They topped the CONMEBOL standings and became the first team to qualify for the World Cup 2026. With a strong squad and depth across positions, Argentina head into the final stretch of 2025 focused on refining their team dynamics ahead of the title defence.
The Albiceleste will take on Venezuela in Miami on October 10 before facing Puerto Rico in Chicago three days later. At this point, both matches are crucial in maintaining Argentina’s rhythm and assessing emerging talent. Especially after Scaloni called up new players.
The coach is keen on balancing experience and youth. Having lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and the Copa America in 2021, Argentina will be aiming to sustain their golden era. They will also aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1970 to win consecutive World Cups.
Here are the fixture for Argentina men’s football team’s coming two matches –
| Matches | Date | Time (ET) | Venue |
| Argentina vs Venezuela | Friday, 10 October | 8:00 PM | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA |
| Ecuador vs Argentina | Monday, 13 October | 7:00 PM | Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
Several Premier League stars, including Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, and Bournemouth’s Julio Soler, are part of the squad once again. Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono, who can contribute to the team closely to Lionel Messi has also been called up. However, the team captain and ace Messi has been called up as well.
Scaloni’s 28-man squad also features three uncapped players: River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero, Racing goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses, and Palmeiras midfielder Anibal Moreno. They could get their debut in October’s schedules. Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi returns to the setup.
Meanwhile Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez rejoins after serving a suspension in September’s qualifiers. Captain Lionel Messi leads a familiar attacking lineup that also includes Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and young star Mastantuono. It’s a blend of established brilliance and future promise for Argentina’s World Cup title defence.
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Walter Benitez, Facundo Cambeses
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Otamendi, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Anibal Moreno, Enzo Fernandez, Giovanni Lo Celso, Nicolas Paz, Alexis Mac Allister, Franco Mastantuono, Thiago Almada
Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez
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