In just a few hours, the football world will discover which teams will be placed in each group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to begin this June. The much-anticipated group draw is scheduled for Friday evening in Washington, D.C., and anticipation is mounting among players, fans, and officials alike.
Even Argentina’s camp is abuzz with excitement ahead of the event. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul recently spoke to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul about preparations and expectations, revealing that he had discussed the upcoming draw with Lionel Messi himself.
De Paul reflected, “I was discussing schedules and preparations with Leo. In club football, draws can happen suddenly, which often leaves you feeling unprepared. But the World Cup draw is different—it’s special. Naturally, there are expectations regarding which group we end up in and who our opponents will be.” He emphasised that the draw symbolically marks the official start of the tournament.
Argentina, winners of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, are eager to continue their success under Messi’s leadership. De Paul added, “We will give our best. Our qualifying performance has raised expectations, and we will compete to defend the trophy, even though it will be challenging. If the team remains united and the environment mirrors that of 2022, the journey will be smoother. We will give everything and hope everyone stays together.”
This year, De Paul joined Inter Miami, where he will share the pitch with Messi in the upcoming MLS final on Saturday against Vancouver Whitecaps. While Messi’s participation in the World Cup remains uncertain, his influence on the squad and strategic planning continues to be pivotal.
The draw will determine not only the immediate matchups but also the potential paths to the knockout stages, shaping tactical approaches and psychological preparation for every team. Analysts suggest that early group placements can significantly influence a team’s chances of progressing to the latter stages, making the event a focal point of global football attention.
Argentina’s Key Players for World Cup 2026
| Player | Position | Club (2026) | Notes on Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Forward | Inter Miami | Team leader, uncertain start |
| Rodrigo De Paul | Midfielder | Inter Miami | Central playmaker |
| Emiliano Martinez | Goalkeeper | Aston Villa | Defensive anchor |
| Lautaro Martínez | Forward | Inter Milan | Scoring threat |
As the clock ticks down to Friday’s draw, excitement across stadiums, training grounds, and living rooms worldwide continues to build. For Argentina and other nations, the draw is more than a formality—it is the moment when dreams begin to take shape.