Kai Pfaffenbach via Reuters
Enzo Fernandez enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of the tournament's top players, one of Argentina's most crucial cogs, and as a defending champion.
The World Cup 2022 was a transformative one for the midfielder; a relative unknown before the competition in Qatar began, Enzo became an increasingly prominent figure in Argentina's engine room, ultimately playing the entire 120 minutes of the nail-biting 3-3 final with France, which was eventually decided by penalties.
Fernandez won the tournament's Best Young Player award and in the subsequent January transfer window completed a £107m transfer to Premier League club Chelsea.
Since then, Fernandez has developed from a deep-lying and tenacious defensive protector into an all-round midfielder, often operating as a No.8 or No.10 in Chelsea's midfield and finishing the 2025/26 season with 15 goals at club level.
If Argentina are to become the first country to successfully defend the World Cup since their great rivals Brazil in 1962, the 25-year-old will play a crucial role.
GIVEMESPORT's senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs held an exclusive interview with Fernandez, in which he discussed his move to Stamford Bridge and the now-infamous racism scandal involving a song directed towards the France national team.
As part of that discussion, the midfielder also revealed his thoughts on the 2022 World Cup, and his hopes for the 2026 edition in North America.
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What Playing at World Cup 2022 was Really Like
Carl Recine via Reuters
Tell us about your first World Cup
"It meant so much to me on a personal level. It was my first World Cup. I felt so pleased to play in it first of all, and then to win it as well. It meant everything to me and the squad. It was a target that Argentina hadn’t achieved in many years and now we can’t wait for the next one."
How did you feel making your debut?
"I was excited to make my competition debut and be able to tell my children or even grandchildren one day that I played at the World Cup. I finally fulfilled a longstanding dream. I felt so proud to represent my country at the World Cup."
Was it a shock losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia?
"It was such a disappointing moment for us because we knew how important it was to kick off with a win, but we showed our togetherness as a squad and we spoke about it internally while staying focused on the clash against a tough Mexico side next. We couldn’t disappoint our families or everyone who came to Qatar to support us, especially after such a long flight, so that was our mentality. We discussed the loss internally, and then it all turned out for the best."
What was it like to score your first World Cup goal against Mexico?
"It was my first World Cup goal. I never imagined actually doing that, so scoring that goal was such a thrill for me."
Top Players at the World Cup including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal
Top Players at the World Cup including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal
Winning the World Cup Final
Paul Childs via Reuters
What do you remember about the World Cup final?
"It was a crazy World Cup final. It was an incredible game. We had it all under control until the 80th minute and then we saw what football is like and how everything can change in the blink of an eye. It was an emotional rollercoaster, so being part of it, playing in the game and winning was so exciting."
How important was Emi Martinez's save to deny Randal Kolo Muani late on?
"Emi Martínez saved us during a key passage of play in the game. He’d already shown his quality in other games. He was so important for us at the World Cup. He came to the rescue with just a few minutes left thanks to that historic save that will never be forgotten."
Did you expect to win Young Player of the Year?
"I didn’t expect that award and didn’t even know it existed, so it was a big surprise to receive it during the final. I’m so proud to have won it because the best players take part in the World Cup, including youngsters, so I feel exceptionally proud. It was a unique moment because they called me up and I didn’t know which trophy I was going to receive. It was so strange for me. I remember the moment when they handed me the award as they also gave Messi the trophy for the best player at the World Cup and Emi Martínez received the Golden Glove. We all stood alongside each other. I have the trophy and my medal in my office."
How has winning the World Cup changed you as a footballer?
"I’ve developed a lot individually. Regardless of winning the World Cup or not, you naturally develop in football. You keep improving and working on your weak points, so I certainly feel more mature and like more of a leader. I’ve been working on all that on a personal level and the club [Chelsea] gives me belief to implement that day-in, day-out. I’m happy with my role and hope to keep improving by showing what I’m doing in every training session with the passion that I transmit to my team-mates."
What does it mean to be not just a World Cup winner, but also a Copa America champion?
"On a personal level, it means so much to win two major trophies with my country and to represent Argentina. As a boy, I always dreamed of winning something with the national team and getting to represent our people. Having done so at such a young age and being part of such big achievements is something for me, my family and the people who love me to be proud of. I’ll always want to win and compete for my country at the highest level."
Argentina players
Argentina players
Hannah McKay via Reuters
Were you intent on winning it for Messi?
"We were fully motivated because our team grew up watching Leo [Messi] at home on TV. Winning the World Cup with him was incredible and something that I’ll always carry with me in my heart."
What was it like to be part of the celebrations with Lionel Messi?
"The World Cup means so much and even more so given that Argentina hadn’t won it in many years. We’d lost a final a few years earlier in 2014. We’d been fighting for it for many years and Messi had unfinished business. I’m so proud that I was able to share that moment with him and win the World Cup alongside him, knowing what it meant to him and all of us, of course. We all wanted to do it for him because it was the only sporting achievement missing for him."
What makes Messi special?
"He’s different. He’s the greatest of all time, so it’s a privilege to share the dressing room with him. It’s a huge thing for me and I’m really enjoying it. I try to make the most of every moment spent with him. Of course, it made an impact on me because he’s always been my idol going back to my childhood and everything I’ve lived through. I always dreamed of playing with him, so he did make a big impression on me when I first saw him. As the years passed and I got to know him, it became more normal. He’s a great person and I’m so proud to share these moments with him."
Has Messi given you any advice?
"No, we never speak about advice. We share moments together and we might speak about things outside of football, but he never gives me advice or anything like that."
Enzo's Hopes for World Cup 2026 and Beyond
Agustin Marcarian via Reuters
"We’ll try to defend it and win it again, which is what this national team have to do. The Argentine people are so passionate and we always want more. Our mentality is that we deserve to defend our World Cup crown and have a great tournament, which means winning it. Winning the World Cup in 2022 is in the past now and we’re focused on what lies ahead. We know it could be Messi’s last World Cup, so we’ll be there to defend our crown from Qatar as a team. We’ll do our best to retain it."
Do you dream of captaining Argentina one day?
"On a personal level, of course, I dream of captaining Argentina, but that decision doesn’t come down to me. It’s up to the coaching staff. Of course, I dream of being the Argentina captain. I don’t know when it might be. Time will tell and it’s up to the coaching staff to make the decision. It’s certainly one of my dreams and I’d be honoured to wear the captain’s armband."