Eighteen members of the Argentina national football team have departed the country on a chartered flight to join their World Cup training camp in the United States. Under the direction of head coach Lionel Scaloni, Kansas City has been selected as the team’s primary base for preparations ahead of the tournament.
The squad will conduct its pre-competition training programme from this location. According to sports journalist Diego Monroig, the group of 18 players travelled together to begin preparations at the designated camp.
The travelling contingent includes players across all positions. Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli is part of the group, alongside a defensive unit comprising Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Valentín Barco. In midfield, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada, and Nico Paz have made the journey. The forward line includes Nicolás González, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and José Manuel López.
Players on Chartered Flight
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Gerónimo Rulli |
| Defenders | Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Valentín Barco |
| Midfielders | Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz |
| Forwards | Nicolás González, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, José Manuel López |
Several key players were not part of this chartered flight. These individuals are expected to join the squad directly at the Kansas City camp from their respective locations. The list includes Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Lautaro Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Lisandro Martínez, Juan Musso, and Facundo Medina.
Players Joining Separately
| Player |
|---|
| Lionel Messi |
| Emiliano Martínez |
| Lautaro Martínez |
| Alexis Mac Allister |
| Rodrigo De Paul |
| Lisandro Martínez |
| Juan Musso |
| Facundo Medina |
Argentina’s formal training sessions are scheduled to commence on 1 June at Sporting Kansas City’s Compass Minerals National Performance Center, a modern facility equipped to support elite-level preparation.
As part of their build-up to the World Cup, Argentina will play two international friendly matches. The first is set for 6 June in Texas against Honduras. The second will take place on 9 June in Alabama, where they will face Iceland. These fixtures form part of the team’s structured preparation ahead of the tournament.
Pre-World Cup Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 6 June | Honduras | Texas |
| 9 June | Iceland | Alabama |
Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign on 16 June. The opening match is scheduled to be held at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where they will face Algeria. As the reigning champions, the team will look to commence their title defence with this fixture following the completion of their preparations in the United States.