Paraguay enter the 2026 World Cup as a strong force in Group B. They will start their journey in Los Angeles Stadium to face the United States, co-hosts of the tournament.

Affectionately known as ‘El Profesor’ due to his articulate, deeply philosophical press conferences and analytical approach, Alfaro stands out as one of South America’s most respected minds. Here is everything you need to know about the manager directing La Albirroja.

How old is Gustavo Alfaro?

Gustavo Alfaro was born on August 14, 1962, in Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina, so he is 63 years old. Having spent decades on the touchline since transitioning to coaching in the early 1990s, he represents the highly experienced, veteran class of elite CONMEBOL managers.

How tall is Gustavo Alfaro?

Gustavo Alfaro stands at 1.81 meters tall (approximately 5 feet 11 inches). His tall, composed figure is a staple of the technical area, where he is known for calmly but firmly organizing his players.

Who is Gustavo Alfaro’s wife?

Behind the tactical mastermind is a tight-knit family foundation. Gustavo Alfaro has been married to his wife, Daniela, for over thirty years. Together, the couple has two daughters, Florencia and Josefina. Alfaro frequently notes that his family provides the crucial emotional stability required to withstand the high-pressure environment of international soccer.

Gustavo Alfaro’s social media

Gustavo Alfaro does not have official public accounts on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or TikTok.

Gustavo Alfaro’s career

Playing Career

Before dictating tactics from the bench, Alfaro was a diligent, hard-working midfielder. He spent his entire professional playing career from 1988 to 1992 representing his hometown club, Atletico de Rafaela, in the Argentine divisions. Demonstrating leadership early on, he captained the side before retiring at 30 to focus exclusively on management.

Coaching Career

Alfaro built his reputation by climbing the soccer ladder step-by-step, earning promotions in Argentina with clubs like Olimpo and Quilmes. His breakthrough came with Arsenal de Sarandi, where he orchestrated a historic continental triumph by lifting the Copa Sudamericana.

His knack for organizing highly disciplined teams later earned him the job at Argentine giants Boca Juniors. Following his success in club soccer, Alfaro successfully transitioned to the international stage, managing the Ecuador national team (whom he led to the 2022 FIFA World Cup), Costa Rica, and ultimately taking the helm at Paraguay to restore La Albirroja’s traditional defensive DNA.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Kylian Mbappe was asked what would happen if France were to face Argentina again and repeat that legendary 2022 final against Lionel Messi, responding, “We will be determined and hungry to win, as always.”

“We are here to make history. We are yet to do it. We want this World Cup.” France arrive as one of the top candidates due to the sheer quality of the players they are bringing to the tournament, especially among their forwards, while Argentina also remain at their absolute best on the South American side.

The rivalry of Messi and Mbappe

Beyond the encounters they have had between the final and the 2018 round of 16, which basically leaves their head-to-head record tied at 1-1 on the international stage, the heavy weight remains that Argentina defeated them in the most important match of all. Furthermore, they share the spotlight and compete directly on the list of all-time World Cup goal scorers:

World Cup all-time goal scorers

1. 16, Miroslav Klose (Germany)
2. 15, Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)
3. 13, Lionel Messi (Argentina)
4. 12, Kylian Mbappe (France)
5. 11, Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany)
6. 10, Helmut Rahn (Germany)

Just three goals separate Messi and Mbappe, with Mbappe needing five, from equalizing soccer’s most coveted World Cup scoring record. At 39, Messi enters the tournament with 13 World Cup goals and needs four more to surpass Klose outright.

Mbappe, meanwhile, has already scored 12 World Cup goals despite playing in only two editions of the tournament. The French superstar needs five goals to claim the record for himself.

The only stage where Argentina vs France would cross paths

The design of the definitive bracket for the final phase of the 2026 World Cup establishes a strict pairing scheme. According to the organization of the brackets, if they advance from their respective groups, whether qualifying as leaders or as runners-up of their zones, Argentina and France will be placed on opposite sides of the knockout stage structure. This distribution mathematically prevents them from crossing paths in the round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, or semifinals.

Due to this separation on opposite sides of the bracket, the only stage of the tournament in which the squads of Argentina and France could face each other is a hypothetical final, thereby replicating the iconic deciding match played in Qatar 2022. For fans to witness this clash once again, both countries must successfully overcome each of the previous rounds on their respective sides of the bracket until reaching the pinnacle match for the world title.

According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul of ESPN, Martinez underwent medical exams that yielded positive results and can finally put on the goalkeeping gloves without pain. Lionel Scaloni and his staff will gradually ramp up his workload, as he had been training at a lower intensity, but his status as the starter is considered a guarantee—at least for the opener against Algeria on June 16.

If he cannot complete the game, shows discomfort, or struggles, then Argentina could make an emergency switch in goal. Considering just how crucial Martinez’s role was in helping Messi win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles, it’s safe to say the netminder operates with quite a margin for error.

What happened to Martinez?

During warmups ahead of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League Final, Martinez sustained a fracture to the ring finger on his right hand. “Dibu” is known for his personality and for rising to the occasion in the biggest moments. Thus, it is no mystery that he played in the championship match regardless of the injury. Nothing was going to keep him out of the biggest game of his club career.

The same logic applies to the 2026 World Cup. Messi and everybody on Argentina’s squad know it will take a lot more than a fractured ring finger to sideline Martinez, and there is little doubt within the camp in Kansas City that the 33-year-old goalkeeper will be good to go when the reigning world champions kick off their title defense against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.

Martinez’s numbers in 2022 World Cup

Although Messi and Argentina put on several performances for the ages during the 2022 World Cup, they often failed to close out games, and it frequently came down to Martinez making a seemingly impossible save to keep La Albiceleste’s dream alive in Qatar.

The most obvious example was Martinez’s acrobatic stop with his right leg in a one-on-one showdown against Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute of the final. Martinez would go on to stop Kingsley Coman’s attempt in the penalty shootout and put Aurelien Tchouaméni under enough pressure for the precise midfielder to miss the goal entirely.

Messi drew all the attention, but in the biggest moments it was Martinez who stole the spotlight and helped secure the country’s third World Cup title. As the tournament came to an end, Martinez had allowed just eight goals and recorded three clean sheets. He also stopped three penalties across two different shootouts (against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and France in the final).

Argentina need Martinez

Needless to say, if Argentina want to go back-to-back in 2026, they will need “Dibu” to stay red-hot on the World Cup stage. For the time being, Messi and the rest of the team may have little to worry about.

Argentina made the announcement on social media Thursday, following days of speculation after a muscle injury ruled Leonardo Balerdi out of the tournament.

At 29, Senesi will be playing at a FIFA World Cup for the first time in his career, having failed to make the cut in Qatar 2022. Following a great Premier League season at Bournemouth, the San Lorenzo de Almagro product agreed to join Tottenham as a free agent before getting this call-up.

Senesi rejected Italy to play for Argentina

This will certainly feel like a full-circle moment for Senesi after giving up the chance to play for Italy. Back in 2022, the Azzurra tried to recruit the defender before the Finalissima against Argentina.

But Senesi had also received an invitation to the Argentine national team camp. And even though he knew the chances of making the World Cup squad in Argentina were slim, the center-back rejected Italy to maintain any hope of playing for his home country.

Senesi was on Argentina’s side in the Finalissima, which La Albiceleste won 3-0 against Italy, but didn’t log minutes. He eventually watched Qatar 2022 from home, but four years later, his decision to remain eligible for Argentina is paying off.

Senesi’s experience with Argentina

Senesi boasts just three caps with Argentina, all three of them in friendlies. His international debut came in June 2022, when he played 28 minutes of a 5-0 friendly win over Estonia.

More than three years later, Senesi made his first start during a 1-0 friendly victory over Venezuela in October 2025. His latest appearance came in March 2026, when he played the full 90 minutes of a 2-1 friendly win over Mauritania. It wasn’t a great night for the defender, who was booked in the second half, but it still didn’t prevent him from joining Messi and company for the 2026 World Cup.

Marcos Senesi’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup

The Concordia, Entre Rios native started his career at the San Lorenzo academy, the same place where Qatar 2022 champion and former Atletico Madrid star Angel Correa made his first steps before rising to stardom.

Senesi made his pro debut in 2016 and by 2018, he had already established himself as a starter. Dutch giants Feyenoord forked out €7 million to sign him in 2019, and 116 appearances later, Bournemouth spent €15m to bring him to the Premier League.

With six goals and 10 assists in 128 games, Senesi proved his worth in England and not only caught Tottenham‘s eye but also made a strong case to receive greater consideration from Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Now, he’ll try to help Messi repeat as world champion.

Messi took care of the rest. He made no mistake as he beat Elías Rafn Ólafsson with a strong high shot that beat the Icelander goalkeeper to his right side. With his goal, Messi confirms he is in the best form going into the 2026 World Cup, the sixth of his career.

Messi’s goal extended Argentina‘s lead over Iceland. For the 38-year-old, it served as a personal vendetta, as he had missed a penalty shot against Iceland in the 2018 World Cup. In a different context and eight years later, but the Argentinian ace got one back. Argentina dominated Iceland en route to a 3-0 win at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but it was Messi who stole the spotlight, once again.

Messi sets new national team record

With the 911th goal of his career and his 117th for La Albiceleste, Messi broke Argentina’s record for the oldest goal scorer in national team history. At 38 years, 11 months, and 16 days old, Messi surpassed Angel Labruna to take the top spot in that category.

Considering Messi is just weeks away from his 39th birthday (June 24) and the 2026 World Cup is right around the corner, the Argentine magician could very well break his own record during soccer’s biggest tournament.

Messi continues to prove that age is just a number, and with a dominant performance in just 20 minutes of play, he has put upcoming World Cup opponents Algeria, Austria, and Jordan on notice.

World Cup preparation is over

As the international friendlies on American soil come to an end, Messi and Argentina can fully turn their focus to the 2026 World Cup. Although the 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Honduras and Iceland, respectively, were important, all La Albiceleste cared about was avoiding any new setbacks. Mission accomplished in that regard, but the real work begins now.

There will be no time for Messi and Argentina to roll Toomer’s Corner in The Plains, as the reigning world champions will head back to their camp in Kansas City, Missouri, before their long-awaited debut against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Iceland weren’t the rival that Argentina expected, as the team were actively evaluating new talent and testing tactical systems ahead of the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle, but their lack of talent and the way they faced this game, left fans concerned about the challenges looming in the year to come.

How to watch Argentina vs Iceland in the USA

This highly anticipated matchup will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, with live streaming available on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling Orange.

No matter the platform, fans can watch every key play, momentum-shifting moment, and dramatic finish live from start to finish.

Can I watch Argentina vs Iceland for free?

Fans in the United States can watch this featured matchup live on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, all of which include the channel carrying the game nationwide.

New subscribers can also take advantage of free trials, with Fubo and DirecTV Stream offering five days and Hulu + Live TV providing three days of access. Follow Argentina vs Iceland live with us for minute-by-minute updates!

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Argentina continues its buildup to the World Cup, with Lionel Messi and company coming off a comfortable win over Honduras in a performance that was efficient and controlled, even if it lacked fireworks.

Their next challenge presents a stronger test, as the Albiceleste square off with Iceland in a matchup that should provide a better gauge of their readiness for the tournament opener.

While Iceland failed to secure a spot in this World Cup and will miss the competition for the second straight edition since its memorable appearance at 2018 FIFA World Cup, the friendly gives the visitors a valuable test.

Argentina vs Iceland: Predicted Lineups

Argentina (4-3-3): Rulli, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Lautaro, Alvarez.

Iceland (4-2-3-1): Valdimarsson, Sampsted, Ingason, Gretarsson, Olafsson, Johannesson, Willumsson, Gudmundsson, Haraldsson, Gudmundsson, Oskarsson.

What time is the Argentina vs Iceland match?

The match kicks off today, June 9, at 9:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 9 PM
Central Time: 8 PM
Mountain Time: 7 PM
Pacific Time: 6 PM

Lionel Scaloni continues to test different options ahead of the upcoming debut against Algeria, which is getting closer. The reigning champions aim to defend the title won in Qatar in 2022.

Iceland, on the other hand, did not qualify for this tournament, so the match will serve only as an opportunity to stay in shape and test different options ahead of UEFA competitions in the second half of the year.

Argentina’s confirmed lineup

These are the eleven players Argentina will field in this friendly match, with Messi on the bench: Geronimo Rulli; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentin Barco; Nicolas Paz; Jose Manuel Lopez.

Iceland’s starting XI

For the friendly against Argentina, manager Arnar Gunnlaugsson fielding the following starting eleven: Elías Rafn Ólafsson, Logi Tómasson, Daníel Leó Grétarsson, Guðlaugur Victor Pálsson, Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson, Orri Steinn Óskarsson, Albert Guðmundsson, Andri Fannar Baldursson, Mikael Egill Ellertsson, Hörður Björgvin Magnússon.

When and where is the match being played?

The international friendly between Argentina and Iceland will take place at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, with kickoff set for 9:00 p.m. ET.

On Monday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni guaranteed that Messi would get playing time against Iceland: “Yes, he will play. What I don’t know is how many minutes yet; I still need to speak with him during today’s training session. We will see how many minutes he plays to avoid any kind of risk. We will decide, but in principle he will get minutes.”

Messi’s influence on Argentina is evident, and his presence is often considered essential. With the intention of building rhythm ahead of the World Cup debut, the number 10 is expected to log minutes at Auburn’s stadium.

What ailments are affecting Messi?

Having shaken off a left hamstring overload sustained in his last Inter Miami game before the World Cup break, Messi is back to full fitness and training at 100%. The minor muscular discomfort is now safely behind him, clearing the way for the Argentine captain to rejoin the action before the big tournament.

Argentina’s challenges ahead

Argentina will navigate Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting on June 16, when they make their debut against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. They will then travel to Texas to face Austria on June 22 at Dallas Stadium, before wrapping up their group stage campaign at the exact same venue on June 27 against Jordan.

Argentina aim to recover several players

Several key players in the Argentine squad are facing a race against time to reach peak fitness ahead of their tournament debut against Algeria. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is under close watch as he continues to recover from a fractured ring finger on his right hand, while midfielder Leandro Paredes is managing a hamstring injury suffered during club duties.

Meanwhile, forward Julian Alvarez is undergoing specialized regenerative treatment for a rolled left ankle, and young talent Nicolas Paz is working his way back from a left knee strain. Despite these physical setbacks, the coaching staff remains highly optimistic that all four stars will be fully available to take the pitch for the opening match.

“The other day, I was asked by an Argentine outlet whether I speak with him, and I said that the decision regarding him is mine. The response was misinterpreted by a foreign media outlet and ended up being reported everywhere as if I consult him on things,” the manager clarified in his comments to the press.

The Argentine manager’s misinterpreted comments reached Martinez. “The Portugal coach was asked whether he handled things in the same way with Ronaldo. Not knowing the context of the question, he replied that they worked differently. In practice, he operates in a similar way, with Ronaldo, and then the team is ultimately assembled as expected,” Scaloni added.

Argentina‘s coach frustration was evident, and he urged the media to correct the misinterpretation of his comments. He also reiterated that he is solely responsible for the final decisions within the team, while maintaining regular contact with his players.

“In all the years I’ve been here, he (Messi) has never said a single word about the team. With him, whatever it is, always. I will repeat it and I will never get tired of repeating it: I will not do anything he does not want. From there, I decide how the team plays. It bothered me that the information was misrepresented.”

With Messi leading the way toward the World Cup

Expectations are soaring ahead of the upcoming international fixtures as Lionel Messi is projected to log crucial minutes in the friendly against Iceland to fine-tune his rhythm, ensuring he is in peak form to lead the squad for the highly anticipated debut against Algeria.

His presence remains the ultimate game-changer for the team, even though some might not count Argentina among the top title contenders this time around.

• vs Algeria, June 16th
• vs Austria, June 22nd
• vs Jordan, June 27th

Portugal aim to make a statement

Portugal kick off their highly anticipated campaign in Group K of the FIFA World Cup, where manager Roberto Martinez will look to guide his loaded squad deep into the tournament. Ready to lead the line on the grandest stage once again is Cristiano Ronaldo, whose iconic presence remains central to the team’s tactical plans.

Under Martinez’s fluid system, Portugal will face physical tests against DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Houston before traveling to Miami for a heavy-hitting group stage finale against Colombia.

Through its FIFA simulator, the renowned gaming company correctly predicted the last four World Cup champions, and in this case, the last team standing was Lamine Yamal’s team.

Although this type of prediction sometimes might be wrong, the technology suggests that Messi would be denied the chance to win his second consecutive World Cup title in a row.

The latest EA Sports predictions

It’s absolutely wild how EA Sports has been nailing these type of predictions. Using a video game simulations, they’ve accurately called the last four World Cup champions right before the tournaments started.

The streak kicked off back in South Africa 2010 when they predicted Spain would lift the trophy, followed by Germany in Brazil 2014, and France in Russia 2018. To top it all off, they hit the jackpot again by predicting Argentina would take it all in Qatar 2022.

Argentina want to put the predictions aside

Lionel Messi and Argentina are heading into the 2026 World Cup group stage with a clear target on their backs as they face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in Group J. The reigning champions will kick off their journey in Kansas City before heading to Dallas for the remaining two fixtures, looking to secure a smooth path into the knockout rounds.

For Messi, playing in his record-breaking sixth World Cup, this tournament is all about cementing an unparalleled legacy. Lionel Scaloni‘s squad is heavily favored to top the group, but the team knows that defending the crown and chasing Argentina’s fourth star will require absolute perfection as the rest of the world looks to dethrone La Albiceleste.

Could Spain and Argentina face each other?

Yes, they definitely can, but when it happens depends entirely on how they perform in their groups. Because of how FIFA structured the bracket to keep top-ranked teams apart early on, if both Argentina (Group J) and Spain (Group H) win their respective groups, they cannot face each other until the Final on July 19.

However, the path completely shifts if someone slips up: if Argentina finish as the runner-up in Group J and Spain win Group H, they would clash almost immediately in a massive Round of 32 showdown.