the next World Cup. However,
the Albiceleste still have two matches to play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a preliminary squad of 28 members for the matches against Chile and Colombia. The country's football board has adopted a novel approach in announcing the names of the players.
Argentina
The AFA is commemorating the devastating floods that hit the Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca in March , which left 16 people dead and more than 1,000 homeless. The city's citizens of all ages and professions were asked to name the Argentina squad for the remaining two World Cup qualifiers.
Argentina starting squad:
Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, Mariano Troilo, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Valentin Berco, John Foyth, Kevin Lomonaco, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Barenchia, Enzo Fernandez, Ezaquel Palacios, Thiego Almada, Nico Paz, Rodrigo de Paul, Giovanni Lo Celso, Nicolas Gonzalez, Franco Mastantuino, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Giuliano Simeone, Ángel Correa and Julián Álvarez.
It is worth noting that Chile will host Argentina at the National Julio Martinez Stadium on June 6. The Albiceleste's opponent at home on June 11 is Colombia. The match will be held at the Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
