WILL RODRIGO DE PAUL PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Rodrigo De Paul's Present at Atlético and with the National Team

Rodrigo De Paul is experiencing one of the most complete periods of his career. At 31, he combines footballing maturity, tactical intelligence, and a mental fortitude that keeps him among the elite of European football. At Atlético de Madrid, he has earned the full trust of Diego Simeone, establishing himself as a complete midfielder: capable of scoring, creating, and maintaining the pace of a match for 90 minutes.

His Stats for the 2024-2025 Season

The data confirms his continued relevance. In the 2024-2025 season, De Paul has played 43 matches across La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. With 6 goals, 11 assists, and an average of 3.1 ball recoveries per game, his influence in Atlético Madrid's midfield is undeniable. Furthermore, he boasts an 89% pass accuracy, making him one of the best in LaLiga in that category. But beyond the numbers, his true value lies in his leadership. De Paul is a player who motivates the team, inspires energy, and never gives up. In every training session and every match, he transmits that competitive fire that has become the hallmark of Scaloni's style. His connection with Scaloni and the National Team: In the Argentine National Team, De Paul remains untouchable. Scaloni considers him an extension of the coaching staff on the field. From the 2021 Copa América, where he was a key player in the final against Brazil, to the conquest of the 2022 World Cup, his presence has become synonymous with balance. In the current qualifiers for 2026, he played in 9 of the 10 matches, registering an assist every 180 minutes and an average of 11.2 km covered per game. Matches played with Argentina (2023-2025): 18 Assists: 7 Average recoveries: 5.9 per game Forward pass percentage: 82% His partnership with Messi continues to be one of the team's emotional and tactical driving forces. When Leo has the ball, De Paul moves to offer him a pass, protect him, or pressure the opponent. He's more than a teammate: he's their shield and their footballing partner. In short, De Paul's current form is solid. He not only arrives with match fitness, but also with the motivation to continue making history in the Albiceleste jersey. Everything points to his leadership being key in the defense of the World Cup title.

From Game-Challenging Player to Global Icon

Few Argentine footballers have undergone such a marked evolution as Rodrigo De Paul. From that young attacking player at Racing Club to this all-rounder who dominates the European midfield, his transformation is the product of hard work and consistency. His time at Udinese was key: there he learned to be disciplined, tactical, and to read the game like a veteran.

The Footballing Metamorphosis

When Scaloni took charge of the national team, he found in De Paul a versatile player capable of maintaining intensity in both penalty areas. His evolution accelerated after the 2019 Copa América, where he began to stand out for his commitment. In the 2021 Copa América he was already a natural leader, and in the 2022 Qatar World Cup he established himself as one of the most reliable cogs in the champion midfield. Average distance covered in Qatar: 12.1 km per match (top 3 in the tournament). Total recoveries: 39, most for Argentina. Progressive passes: 71, second only to Messi. Successful tackles: 81%. These statistics illustrate why his presence was vital in the balance between defense and attack. While other midfielders specialize in one role, De Paul is a master of several. He can play as an attacking midfielder, a holding midfielder, or even a right winger in more attacking systems. His tactical intelligence makes him a versatile player.

The Invisible Leadership

Within the group, De Paul is pure energy. During training camps, he motivates, encourages, and maintains a positive atmosphere. In tense moments, he's the first to embrace his teammates or demand fairness from the referee. Messi described him as "the engine of the team," and he's not exaggerating: his leadership doesn't depend on the armband, but on his constant and contagious presence.

Even off the pitch, his influence is felt. On social media, his image is synonymous with passion and humor. Fans have embraced him as a representative of modern Argentine grit: charismatic, approachable, and competitive. In fact, in several AFA Fan Zone polls, he was chosen as one of the three most beloved players on the team, alongside Messi and Dibu Martínez.

Moments that marked his legacy

There are moments that define a career. In De Paul's case, one of them was the 2021 Copa América semifinal against Colombia, where he scored a spectacular goal after a long pass from Messi. Another was his performance against the Netherlands in Qatar, where he played with an injection and still covered more than 11 kilometers. His resilience, his never-give-up attitude, made him an example for new generations. His story is that of a player who learned to adapt, to put his ego aside, and to understand that collective glory is worth more than individual brilliance. That's why today he is one of the symbols of the new Argentine DNA: humility, hard work, and unwavering faith.

Will Rodrigo De Paul make it to the North American World Cup?

With an eye on 2026, the big question is whether Rodrigo De Paul will be among Scaloni's chosen players. Everything indicates that he will. He would be 32 years old, an ideal age for a midfielder with his style and physical condition. If he maintains his current form and avoids injuries, his place seems secure.

Arguments in favor

• Consistency: He has averaged 40 matches per season since 2019.

• Physical health: No serious injuries in over five years.

• Tactical versatility: He can play in three different positions.

• Experience in major tournaments: World Cup and Copa América champion.

Furthermore, Scaloni has complete confidence in his maturity and leadership skills. The manager is looking to maintain the core of the championship-winning team, and De Paul is an essential part of that emotional structure. His understanding with Messi, Enzo Fernández, and Mac Allister is almost telepathic. In training, his voice guides the younger players, and his example sets the course. Challenges along the way: Of course, football offers no guarantees. De Paul will have to maintain his fitness and adapt to potential tactical changes. With the arrival of new talents like Valentín Barco, Garnacho, and Soulé, the Argentine midfield becomes more competitive. However, his experience will be a key differentiator. In a 48-team World Cup with a long schedule, experience and composure will be crucial, and De Paul has both in abundance. Projections and Legacy: If he plays in the 2026 World Cup, De Paul will reach 100 caps for the Argentine National Team, a feat achieved by only a handful of legends. His dream is to close out the cycle alongside Messi and the core of the championship-winning team, defending the title won in Qatar. But beyond titles, his legacy is already assured: he is the symbol of a generation that reclaimed the identity of Argentine football. As he himself recently stated: “As long as I feel good and can give everything for this shirt, I will be available.” And knowing his mentality, no one doubts that he will keep that promise. The 2026 World Cup awaits him, and De Paul seems ready to face it with the same passion that led him to glory. In short, Rodrigo De Paul not only has a chance to play in the 2026 World Cup: he has all the qualities to once again be the heart of a national team that continues to dream big. His story combines talent, sacrifice, and emotion. If football rewards those who never give up, De Paul already has his ticket to North America secured.