Fans searching for Angel Di Maria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have a clear but bittersweet answer. The Argentine winger, who became a national hero after the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar, is not part of Argentina’s squad for the 2026 tournament. Here’s everything you need to know about why he isn’t playing, what he’s doing instead, and how Argentina is coping without him.
Why Isn’t Di Maria Playing in the World Cup 2026?
Angel Di Maria will not be representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup because he officially retired from international football back on July 14, 2024, right after Argentina lifted the Copa America trophy on home soil in the United States. It was a decision he made on his own terms, walking away from the national team at the peak of his legacy rather than fading out of contention.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni left Di Maria out of Argentina’s preliminary and final 2026 World Cup rosters, confirming that the veteran winger had no intention of reversing his retirement. Scaloni has openly admitted that Di Maria has “no replacement” in the squad, calling him a historic figure for Argentine football, but the team has moved forward with a new generation of players.
What Is Di Maria Doing Now Instead of Playing for Argentina?
Even though his international career is over, Di Maria, now 38 years old, is still playing professional football. He made an emotional return to his boyhood club, Rosario Central, in the Argentine domestic league, where he continues to feature regularly. Walking away from the national team didn’t mean walking away from the sport altogether, and fans in Argentina still get to watch him play every week at club level.
Di Maria’s Legacy with the Argentina National Team
Before stepping away, Di Maria built one of the most decorated international careers in Argentine football history. His trophy cabinet with the Albiceleste includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, an Olympic gold medal from Beijing 2008, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007. Across his international career, he scored 29 goals and earned 129 caps for Argentina, scoring decisive goals in both the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil and the 2022 World Cup final against France.
How Is Argentina Coping Without Di Maria at the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as the defending champions, chasing back-to-back titles without one of their most influential attacking players from the Qatar run. Lionel Scaloni has leaned on a blend of experience and youth to fill the gap left by Di Maria. Thiago Almada has stepped into a more prominent attacking role on the left side, while Nico Gonzalez has emerged as a key disruptive option in the final third.
Argentina’s veteran core remains largely intact, with Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Nicolas Tagliafico expected to anchor what could be their final World Cup appearances. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez round out the attack alongside Messi as Argentina begins its title defense.
Could Di Maria Have Made a Comeback for 2026?
Speculation about a possible return lingered for a while given Di Maria’s continued sharp form at club level, but he repeatedly confirmed he had no plans to reverse his retirement. Having already achieved everything possible with the national team, including the World Cup he chased his entire career, Di Maria made it clear he had nothing left to prove in an Argentina shirt and preferred to close that chapter on a high note.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angel Di Maria in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad? No. Di Maria retired from international football in July 2024 and is not part of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup roster.
Why did Di Maria retire from the Argentina national team? He retired after winning the 2024 Copa America, feeling he had accomplished everything possible at the international level, including a World Cup title in 2022.
Is Di Maria still playing football? Yes, he continues to play professionally for Rosario Central in Argentina’s domestic league.
How old is Angel Di Maria in 2026? Di Maria is 38 years old during the 2026 World Cup.
Who replaced Di Maria in Argentina’s attack? Thiago Almada and Nico Gonzalez have taken on larger attacking roles in Argentina’s setup following Di Maria’s international retirement.
Did Di Maria win the World Cup with Argentina? Yes, he was part of Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar, scoring in the final against France.
Do you think Argentina can defend their World Cup title without Angel Di Maria leading the attack? Drop your predictions in the comments below and follow along for more World Cup 2026 updates!