Argentina lifted the crown in Qatar in 2022, with Lionel Messi finally completing his glittering collection of silverware. The Albiceleste are currently the team to beat in the international circuit, having won two Copa Americas and one World Cup in just four years.
But there's no guarantee as the likes of Spain, France, Brazil and Thomas Tuchel's England can stake a serious claim to clinching the Jules Rimet Trophy too.
As the next World Cup looms, the question shifts—who are the frontrunners this time around? And could La Albiceleste be primed to script history with back-to-back triumphs?
Have Argentina qualified for the World Cup?
Argentina have already secured their place in the draw for the 2026 World Cup having topped CONMEBOL qualification by nine points from second placed Ecuador. The top six in the table qualified automatically, while Bolivia in 7th will face a playoff.
Here we take a deep dive into Argentina's 2026 World Cup chances, the types of bets to place when betting on football, the key players, their potential pathway to the final and latest betting odds on offer.
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Argentina odds to win the World Cup
If the oddsmakers have it right, Argentina's recent dominance, two Copa America titles and a World Cup in the past five years, won't stretch much further. Still, with odds around 9.00 at Dafabet, Lionel Messi and his side will fancy their chances of making another deep run.
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have rarely been the swashbuckling type. Instead, they've carried themselves with the calm assurance of seasoned champions. It's the same reason they aren't tipped as outright favourites this time, much like they weren't before their triumph in Qatar.
Edging opponents by fine margins has become their trademark, and if another star is to be stitched onto their crest in North America, it will likely come the very same way.
Melbet IN | 8.50 |
Puntit | 9.00 |
Parimatch | 9.00 |
9.00 |
Will Lionel Messi play at the World Cup?
Lionel Messi has hinted at retirement several times over the years and at one point called it quits in 2016 but this looks to be his international career swansong.
The 38-year-old played his alleged final home qualifier in Buenos Aires last month, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Venezuela.
Having lifted the World Cup in 2022, he has achieved absolutely everything in the game but the best player to ever play the sport will want to sign off in style.
Even if he doesn't win the tournament again, he will make history alongside career rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the legendary pair become the first players to ever play in six World Cups.
Why are Argentina among the favourites?
Argentina head into the next World Cup cycle as one of the heavyweights in international football, backed by an impressive track record on the big stage. They are the reigning world champions after edging France in that unforgettable 2022 final, securing their third star to go with triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
Their dominance hasn't been confined to the international stage, either. In South America, they've reigned supreme in recent Copa America editions, lifting both the 2021 and 2024 titles. As a result, they are now the most successful team in Copa America, having won 16 titles.
Under Lionel Scaloni, the side has grown more balanced and less reliant solely on Lionel Messi, though the prospect of him extending his international career would only strengthen their bid to go back-to-back.
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Argentina squad for World Cup 2026
Argentina continues to be a breeding ground for world-class footballers, and the current generation is no exception. Among the brightest stars is Julian Alvarez, who has been a revelation in European football. Now shining at Atletico Madrid, the versatile forward has become a key figure under Diego Simeone, and fans of La Albiceleste will be counting on him to deliver once again at next year’s World Cup.
Another pivotal figure is Rodrigo De Paul, whose energy, creativity, and relentless work rate have been central to Argentina's recent triumphs. He will remain one of Lionel Scaloni's most trusted lieutenants on football's biggest stage.
At the back, Argentina boast a spine built on leadership and grit. Emiliano Martínez has proven himself a match-winner in goal, with his penalty heroics and commanding presence defining Argentina's success. In front of him, the partnership of Cristian Romero and Leonardo Balerdi provides both steel and composure in defence.
And, of course, no discussion of Argentina's stars would be complete without Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami star, who will be nearing 39 when the tournament kicks off, could be playing his final World Cup. Having already lifted the trophy in 2022, Messi remains as driven as ever. Still capable of turning matches on their head, the legendary number 10 will once again be the heartbeat of Argentina’s campaign as they chase more glory on the world stage.
How Argentina's World Cup record compares to other key contenders
Nation | World Cup 2014 | World Cup 2018 | World Cup 2022 |
England | Group stage | Semi-final | Quarter-final |
Spain | Group stage | Round of 16 | Round of 16 |
France | Quarter-final | Winners | Runners' up |
Argentina | Runners' up | Round of 16 | Winners |
Brazil | Semi-final | Quarter-final | Quarter-final |
Germany | Winners | Group stage | Group stage |
Expert Predictions: Will Argentina win the World Cup in 2026?
Expectations couldn't be higher for Argentina and Messi. The legendary No. 10 has hinted he might not feature next summer, but few truly believe he'll skip what could be his grand farewell. The reigning champions cruised through South American qualifying and enter the World Cup as overwhelming favorites to retain their crown.
The big question, however, is whether their defence can hold firm. If Cristian Romero stays fit and Emiliano Martinez keeps his composure, Argentina should remain solid at the back. No team has defended the World Cup title since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962, led by the great Pele, but this Argentina squad certainly has the talent and belief to challenge that record.
With match-winners like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez leading the line, they possess the firepower to go deep. Yet, the void left by Angel Di Maria's international retirement remains a concern.
It wouldn't be a stretch to back Argentina for another semifinal run, and when the decisive moments arrive, all eyes will once again turn to Messi. If this truly is his final World Cup, there'd be no better ending than lifting the trophy one last time.
Best betting sites for Argentina World Cup odds
AllSportsPeople' expert team have collated the India's best sports betting sites to wager on Argentina's 2026 World Cup odds, plus where you can find the most competitive free bet sign up offers and welcome bonuses to get the best value on the Albiceleste next summer.
Tips for betting on Argentina to win the World Cup
Timing your wager will be crucial if you want to secure the best odds across the wide range of markets available. It pays to shop around different Indian bookmakers, as some may offer slightly longer prices on Argentina than others. Spotting those small discrepancies can give you a real edge and help you lock in the best value before the market shifts.
The big question is whether to place your bet now or hold off until closer to the tournament. Waiting allows you to gauge Argentina's form, tactics, and player fitness with more clarity, but it also carries the risk that the odds will shorten as optimism grows.
Their upcoming fixtures might also influence your decision. And don't overlook the pre-tournament friendlies in 2026, they'll be key indicators of form and momentum before the real action begins.
Argentina's route to the World Cup Final
Argentina's path to the final will only become clear once the World Cup draw is held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on December 5 at 10:30 p.m. IST.
Typically, the qualified nations are divided into four pots of 12 teams each, determined by the FIFA men's world rankings, with the top eight sides placed in Pot 1. For the 2026 edition, however, the three host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will automatically join the top five ranked teams to complete the first pot.
As per FIFA's confederation rules, no two teams from the same confederation can share a group, except for Europe, which will have two UEFA nations in each group due to its larger representation.