Argentina · WC2026 SQUAD · Group JJulián Alvarez
Atlético MadridABOUT JULIÁN ALVAREZ
World Cup pedigree
Julián Álvarez emerged at WC2022 as Argentina's primary number-9, scoring four goals including a brace in the semi-final demolition of Croatia. At 22 he was the youngest member of Argentina's starting front line and the second-highest scorer behind Messi for the tournament.
Role for Argentina
Now at Atlético Madrid after a £64m move from Manchester City in 2024, Álvarez leads Argentina's line. Tactically he operates as a mobile striker — pressing aggressively, dropping into midfield to combine, and running channels behind the defence. His finishing repertoire spans tap-ins, headers, and long-range shooting; he is one of the few elite strikers equally comfortable as a #9 or false-9.
WC2026 outlook
Álvarez sits in the top-5 of Golden Boot markets (around 15-23/1). Argentina's group fixtures give him three winnable goal-scoring chances, and a deep run is realistic given the squad's 2022 form. The key tactical question: will Scaloni pair him with Lautaro Martínez (more direct) or float him alone with Messi underneath?
Best WC2026 odds for Argentina
Tournament starts 11 June 2026
Julián Alvarez's WC2026 stats will appear here after the tournament opens with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Banorte.
Stats update after each match Alvarez features in.
QUALIFYING STATS
Performance Metrics