The Argentina national football team is set to face Uruguay and Brazil in a crucial double matchday of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These matches could potentially secure Argentina’s qualification for the tournament. For these encounters, head coach Lionel Scaloni has assembled a large squad, including six promising young talents, some of whom have already had experience with the senior team.
A Strategy for the Future
As a World Cup-winning coach, Scaloni has a keen eye for identifying promising players within the national football scene. His strategy involves introducing young talents to international competition, allowing them to gain experience and integrate into an already well-established and highly successful team. This approach has yielded positive results, as demonstrated by Argentina’s recent triumphs in the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 World Cup victory.
For this round of qualifiers, Scaloni has called up Máximo Perrone, Giuliano Simeone, Benjamín Domínguez, Nicolás Paz, Claudio Echeverri, and Santiago Castro. All six players have previously represented Argentina at the youth level and are now being given the opportunity to contribute to the senior squad.
The Young Talents
Máximo Perrone (22 years old, Como 1907)
A talented midfielder who emerged from Vélez Sarsfield, Perrone has already been included in previous national team call-ups. After a brief spell at Manchester City and a loan move to Las Palmas in Spain, he is now excelling at Como 1907 in Italy’s Serie A.
Giuliano Simeone (22 years old, Atlético Madrid)
The son of legendary coach Diego Simeone, Giuliano plays as a forward and is currently enjoying a great moment at Atlético Madrid. After loan spells at Zaragoza and Alavés, he has returned to the Colchonero, where he shares the field with fellow Argentine national team players Rodrigo De Paul, Julián Álvarez, and Nahuel Molina. Simeone made his debut for the senior team in November, featuring in a 1-0 victory against Peru at La Bombonera.
Benjamín Domínguez (21 years old, Bologna)
Domínguez recently made the jump from Gimnasia La Plata to European football. He is currently playing his first season in Serie A with Bologna, where he has already made 15 appearances and scored three goals.
Nicolás Paz (20 years old, Como 1907)
The son of former Argentine defender Pablo Paz, Nicolás made his senior national team debut in October of last year during a 6-0 victory over Bolivia. Although he is Spanish-born, he chose to represent Argentina, following in his father’s footsteps. He is currently on loan at Como 1907 from Real Madrid.
Claudio Echeverri (19 years old, Manchester City)
Nicknamed “El Diablito,” Echeverri recently arrived in England to join Manchester City. Though his debut date remains uncertain, he is considered one of Argentina’s most promising young players. He captained the Argentina U-20 team in the South American Championship in Venezuela before making the move from River Plate to City.
Santiago Castro (20 years old, Bologna)
A product of Vélez Sarsfield’s youth system, Castro is currently thriving at Bologna in Serie A. He has had an impressive season so far, scoring seven goals, including a crucial one in Bologna’s 2-1 victory over AC Milan.
Key Matches Against Uruguay and Brazil
Argentina will face Uruguay on Friday, March 21, at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Four days later, on Tuesday, March 25, the Albiceleste will host Brazil at the Más Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. These matches, corresponding to matchdays 13 and 14 of the South American World Cup qualifiers, could secure Argentina’s place in the 2026 World Cup.
With an experienced squad reinforced by exciting young talents, Argentina aims to continue its dominance in South American football and ensure its place in the upcoming World Cup. Fans eagerly await these high-stakes encounters, hoping to see the next generation of Argentine stars make their mark on the international stage.