Emi Martinez makes fresh 2026 World Cup demand to Nicolas Otamendi after Argentina defender recalls Qatar 2022 triumph

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez wants his defensive teammate Nicolas Otamendi to once again lead their team to glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Martinez was one of the key architects in the Albiceleste's triumph three years ago in Qatar, keeping three clean sheets in seven games and winning two shootouts, including one in the final against then holders France.

Otamendi, like Martinez, also played every minute of every game in the triumphant campaign, with the centre-back providing an assist in the 2-1 Round of 16 win over Australia.

Six months ahead of their title defence in North America, Martinez expressed his wish to reach the lofty heights of Qatar, in a friendly exchange with Otamendi, who wrote (as per Albiceleste Talk):

"Three years ago, we were touching the sky with our hands..."

Martinez replied:

"Let's try to touch it one more time."

Otamendi responded to his teammate:

"You say? Alright, it's already goneeee. Let's try it one more time."

It's pertinent to note that no team has successfully defended their World Cup title since Brazil did so in 1962. The only other team to achieve the feat is Italy in 1938.

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How Emiliano Martinez fared in Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign

Emiliano Martinez

Emiliano Martinez played a significant role in Argentina's successful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where the Albiceleste finished nine points atop their CONMEBOL qualifying group.

Martinez didn't concede in the first four qualifiers and would go on to repeat the feat six times in 12 other games, missing out two matches due to suspension by a sports court.

In the midst of their qualifying campaign, Argentina also successfully defended their Copa America title, with Martinez keeping five clean sheets in six games, including the 1-0 extra-time win over Columbia in the final.

Overall, Martinez has kept an impressive 40 clean sheets in 57 appearances for Argentina, winning two Copa America titles, one FIFA World Cup and one Finalissima. The 33-year-old was also the Footballer of the Year in 2024 for Aston Villa.

Edited by Bhargav