Women’s World Cup 2023: Everything you need to know about Argentina

Argentina′s World Cup 2023 fixtures, betting odds and statistics

You can read all about Italy, South Africa and Sweden by clicking on their names here.

How did Argentina qualify?

Argentina qualified via the 2022 Copa América. They finished second in Group B, below Brazil but above Venezuela, Uruguay and Peru. They lost to Colombia in the semi-finals but, crucially, beat Paraguay in the third-place game, a victory that saw them qualify for the World Cup directly.

Argentina’s major tournament record

World Cup

Best World Cup result: Group Stage - 2003, 2007 & 2019.

Copa América

Best Copa América result: Winners - 2006.

Olympic Games

Best Olympics result: Group Stage - 2008.

Argentina at World Cup 2023

Will Argentina’s wait for a first-ever World Cup win come to an end?

This’ll be la Albiceleste’s fourth appearance at this tournament but, as of yet, they’re yet to pick up a victory.

In both 2003 and 2007, they went home without even a point to their name, conceding 33 goals across those six matches, most notable smashed 11-0 by Germany in Shànghǎi 16 years ago.

It seemingly took Argentina over a decade to recover from that, failing to qualify for both the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, before making their return in France four summers ago.

There, Carlos Borrello’s team picked up that illusive first-ever point, putting in a backs against the wall display against Japan, holding on for a momentous goalless draw.

Following a narrow 1-0 defeat to England, la Albiceleste then pulled off a remarkable remontada against Scotland at Parc des Princes.

Argentina were 3-0 down with just a quarter of an hour to go, but fought back to snatch a draw, with Florencia Bonsegundo converting a 94th minute penalty at the second attempt, retaken following encroachment.

This result didn’t particularly help either side, as both crashed out in the group stages.

Now led by Germán Portanova, Argentina reached the semi-finals of last summer’s Copa América Femenina, eventually ousted 1-0 by hosts Colombia in Bucaramanga.

However, crucially, la Albiceleste bounced back to beat Paraguay in the third-place play-off, Yamila Rodríguez with a brace, a result that secured automatic qualification.

In the intervening 12 months, they’ve enjoyed mixed friendly results, defeating New Zealand twice earlier this year, but also losing 2-0 to Canada and 7-0 against Spain towards the back end of 2022.

So, while Argentina can compete to a certain level, a huge gulf still exists between them and the crème de la crème that this tournament has to offer.

La Albiceleste kick off this campaign against Italy at Eden Park, before taking on South Africa in Dunedin and then juggernauts Sweden in Hamilton.

The two fixtures against European opposition are going to be tough, but Argentina’s clash with the WAFCON champions at Forsyth Barr Stadium on 28 July could be the day they secure that maiden World Cup win.

Argentina team news

Goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros as well as midfielders Fabiana Vallejos and Agostina Holzheier were in the preliminary roster, but were cut when the squad was reduced to 23 on Saturday 8 July.

Argentina′s key players: Aldana Cometti

Aldana Cometti started all three of Argentina’s matches at the World Cup four summers ago, and will be their stalwart at centre-back once again.

In total, she’s won 44 caps for la Albiceleste, scoring in friendly wins against New Zealand and Venezuela already this year.

At club level, after winning the Copa Libertadores with Colombian club Atlético Huila in 2018, Cometti moved to Spain, representing Sevilla and Levante before signing for Madrid CFF last summer.

This season, she made 28 appearances for the Liga F club, helping them finish fifth.

Argentina′s key players: Estefanía Banini

Estefanía Banini’s recent international career has been controversial to say the least.

She captain the side at the 2019 World Cup but, following the tournament, criticised now former manager Carlos Borrello as well as the AFA, calling his training methods ‘outdated’ and saying the team had to endure ‘poor’ working conditions.

This led to a massive falling out, which resulted in Banini not being called up for national team duty for three years, before returning ahead of last summer’s Copa América.

At that tournament, she featured in all six matches, starting five of them, scoring against Uruguay and providing three assists in total.

She’s since taken her international goals tally to 11, netting against Poland and Venezuela, so is firmly back in the fold.

Having spent the last two seasons with Atlético Madrid, Banini is one of the most talented Argentine players around, so her inclusion is a massive boost for this team.

Argentina′s key players: Yamila Rodríguez

If Argentina are going to claim that illusive maiden World Cup win, they’re going to need to score some goals to achieve it, with Yamila Rodríguez their most-likely source.

The striker was the top scorer at last summer’s Copa América, bagging six in six matches, breaking the deadlock against Peru, notching twice against Paraguay and netting her first international hat-trick against Uruguay.

For club side Palmeiras, Rodríguez scored three times in Brasileirão Feminino this season, helping them finish second.

She’d previously spent four years at Boca Juniors, captaining them in the 2022 Copa Libertadores Final defeat at the hands of her now current employers.

Argentina′s possible starting line-up for World Cup 2023

Argentina′s full squad for World Cup 2023

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Group G table