Argentina

Argentina are three-time World Cup winners (1978, 1986, 2022) and have been runners-up three times. Their 2022 triumph in Qatar ended a 36-year wait for the trophy and cemented the legacy of their golden generation.

The nation has produced some of football's greatest players, from Diego Maradona's single-handed brilliance in 1986 to Lionel Messi's long-awaited coronation in 2022. World Cup success is deeply woven into Argentine football identity.

As defending champions, Argentina remain among the elite in CONMEBOL qualifying. The South American route remains the most competitive qualification process in world football, with Argentina navigating matches against Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and other continental powers.

Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have evolved into a tactically flexible and emotionally unified team. The base formation is typically a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 that adapts based on opposition and game state.

The team combines South American flair with European tactical discipline. They can dominate possession or play direct football. The attacking play flows through creative midfielders, with wide attackers cutting inside and fullbacks providing width.

Defensively, Argentina press with intensity but are equally comfortable in a mid-block. The team's emotional cohesion and winning mentality often proves decisive in tight matches.

Argentina will likely deploy a patient, possession-oriented approach against weaker opponents while showing tactical pragmatism against stronger teams. The team excels at controlling tempo and creating chances through combination play.

In the expanded 48-team format, squad depth becomes crucial. Expect Scaloni to rotate during the group stage while keeping his strongest XI fresh for the knockout rounds.

As a top seed, Argentina will expect to progress comfortably from Group D. The defending champions carry the weight of expectations but also the confidence of proven success. Three group stage wins would be the target.

Argentina enter as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. The combination of individual talent, tactical organization, and winning experience makes them a formidable force. The question is whether the aging core can sustain their level through an expanded tournament format.

A semi-final appearance would be considered a minimum expectation, with another final and potential title defense being the ultimate goal. If key players remain fit and the next generation steps up, back-to-back titles are within reach.