Argentina's national team returns home after World Cup 2026 runner-up finish

The Argentine national football team is en route back to Buenos Aires following their second-place finish in the 2026 United States-Mexico-Canada World Cup. The squad is traveling on an Aerolíneas Argentinas charter flight, with spirits reportedly subdued despite the fans' anticipation.

The team was initially scheduled to arrive from New York at 4 a.m. local time on Monday but experienced a delay. The flight eventually departed around 8 a.m., with an estimated landing time around 7 p.m. given the approximately 11-hour flight duration.

AFA, the Argentine Football Association, clarified that "part of the delegation, including players, coaching staff, and support staff," is returning. Notably absent are Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who have already returned to Miami to rejoin Inter Miami. Other players not returning on this flight include Gerónimo Rulli, Nicolás Paz, Marcos Senesi, Facundo Medina, Valentín Barco, Nicolás González, José Manuel López, and Juan Musso.

The returning contingent includes the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni and most of the players, such as Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, Lautaro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Giuliano Simeone, and Nicolás Otamendi.

Unlike the jubilant reception after the 2022 World Cup, the welcome back is expected to be far less boisterous. While national and provincial governments have organized a security operation, including the use of the Casa Rosada, the mood is not one of celebration. Upon arrival, the team is likely to head directly to the AFA's Ezeiza training complex, from where players will disperse to their homes or rejoin their respective clubs.