Tenerife Duo Pedri and Nico Paz Set for 2026 World Cup Appearances
Tenerife-born midfielder Nico Paz has been named to Argentina’s 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup following a standout season with Como 1907.
The upcoming World Cup, hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada starting June 11, will be a landmark moment for football in Tenerife. The island will be represented by two players competing for different nations: Pedri González, a mainstay in Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish squad, and Nico Paz, who has secured a spot in Lionel Scaloni’s final Argentina roster.
Paz’s inclusion in the Albiceleste squad follows his rapid rise to the European elite. The son of former CD Tenerife player and 1998 World Cup veteran Pablo Paz, Nico developed his skills in Tenerife’s youth system and the Real Madrid academy. After playing for Real Madrid Castilla and making his first-team debut under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2023 Champions League, his career accelerated following a move to Como 1907.
Under the guidance of Cesc Fàbregas in Serie A, Paz has flourished. He made 35 appearances and scored 12 goals last season, earning him the title of the 2025/26 campaign’s best midfielder and helping Como qualify for the Champions League. His form impressed Scaloni, who handed him his senior international debut in April 2024.
Paz joins an Argentina squad packed with stars, including Leo Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez. Argentina begins its tournament on June 17 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 28.
The full 26-man Argentina squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nicolás Tagliafico.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentín Barco, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nico González, Nico Paz.
Forwards: Leo Messi, Lautaro Martínez, José Manuel López, Julián Álvarez.