Nahuel Molina

Nahuel Molina is a confirmed defender in Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, a right-back named in Lionel Scaloni's final 26. The Atlético Madrid full-back is 28 at kick-off and brings 58 senior Argentina caps and one international goal into the tournament, having played at the 2022 World Cup.

Argentina face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J, opening against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on 16 June, then Austria in Arlington on 22 June and Jordan in Arlington on 27 June. Scaloni's side qualified by winning the CONMEBOL round-robin on 25 March 2025, securing their place over a year before kick-off, and Molina is listed among the full-backs in the defensive group.

Molina is an attacking right-back with good technical ability, a full-back who contributes regularly in the final third through crosses and forward runs. He pushes up the right flank to support the attack and uses his delivery from wide as part of his game, the profile of a modern attacking full-back.

His defensive work down the right balances the forward output rather than being sacrificed for it, and with 58 caps he is a constant inside Argentina's defensive group. One international goal reflects a full-back whose main value is service rather than scoring.

At £32m a slot, Argentina are one of the five Tier 1 sides on the Goal Rush card, the top band within the game's £200m card budget. Their Group J assignment with Algeria, Austria and Jordan frames the early fixtures, Argentina having come through the CONMEBOL round-robin to qualify on 25 March 2025.

Molina's contribution to that team card is full-back service: crosses and forward runs from the right rather than central goal output. He adds width and delivery to Argentina's premium attack from a defender slot.