Lionel Scaloni confirmed the players drafted for the double round of qualifiers.

Lionel Scaloni announced the list of drafts for the Argentina National Team for the last two World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, with qualification already secured. Among the most important names are Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Franco Mastantuono, while the big news is the first draft for José Manuel López, Palmeiras' forward.

The list doesn't include some players who had been in the preliminary squad: Facundo Medina, Ángel Correa, and Enzo Fernández. Chelsea's midfielder, who is having a great season, will not be able to be present due to a two-match suspension after the red card received against Colombia.

The squad combines experience and youth. Established players such as Messi, Otamendi, and De Paul remain as leaders, while young prospects like Nicolás Paz, Valentín Carboni, and Mastantuono himself are beginning to gain experience. Scaloni's strategy aims for a gradual transition that ensures the continuity of Argentina's success in the near future.

Flaco López's first draft

At 24 years old, the former Lanús striker and Palmeiras star receives his first draft to the Albiceleste. López is having a great season, with 15 goals in 42 matches, and will take the place that had belonged to Valentín Castellanos (Lazio).

Compared to the last draft, Julio Soler (Bournemouth), Alan Varela (Porto), Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City), and Valentín Carboni (Inter) are also included, who will replace Valentín Barco, Nicolás Domínguez, and the suspended Enzo Fernández.

The last two Qualifying matches

Argentina will complete its journey in the Qualifiers in September. On Thursday the 4th, it will host Venezuela at the Monumental at 20:30, while on Tuesday the 9th, it will visit Ecuador in Guayaquil, starting at 20:00.

With 35 points from 11 wins, two draws, and three losses, the National Team has already secured first place, ten points ahead of its runner-up, Ecuador. This will be the second consecutive Qualifying campaign in which Scaloni's team finishes at the top of the table.