Highly anticipated returns, a few surprises, and choices that will already get people talking. Between key veterans and new faces ready to shake up the hierarchy, the competition is gradually taking shape.

Argentina unveils its squad: the end of an era, time for the next generation!

Argentina, the first nation to reveal its selection, is beginning a historic turning point. The international retirements of legends Pablo Alvarez, Reinaldo Garcia and Valentin Grimalt make way for a promising new guard. Among the faces of this new wave are the “Wall of Monza” Juan Velazquez and the CP Calafell “bulldozer”, Jeronimo Garcia. Finally, the list celebrates the exemplary career of Franco Platero (UD Oliveirense): at 33, the defender takes over from his brother Matias and will wear the Albiceleste shirt for the first time.

Angola: ambition rises a notch with the arrival of Tomas Cardoso

Angola, in turn, lays out its ambitions with a squad combining experience and a major attacking reinforcement. The tireless scorer from HC Dinan-Quévert, Tomas Cardoso, makes a striking entry into this promising group. He joins the pillars of the team, Centeno, Nery and “Big” Mendes, to form a determined squad ready to shake up the world order. This year, the Palancas Negras intend to give everything to challenge the giants and achieve the best result in their history.

Italy: make way for youth and a wind of revolution

Italy is undergoing a radical transformation for this new edition. To manage its leaders Cocco, Verona and Gavioli, worn down by a punishing schedule, the coach has chosen to do without his usual mainstays. This strategic reshuffle is primarily aimed at testing the next generation’s resilience on the international stage. The result: a deeply renewed group in which no fewer than three players and one goalkeeper are set to earn their very first caps in the Azzurri shirt.

France: continuity as the watchword for a world-level revenge

For this new campaign, the French staff is banking on stability by renewing the core of Euro 2025. While the group remains unchanged, two notable adjustments strengthen the squad: Thibault Colin makes a spectacular return after his injury, while Nathan Gefflot, currently the French league’s top scorer with La Vendéenne, regains his place at full strength. The indispensable brothers Carlo, Roberto and Bruno will once again be the key orchestrators of this collective. Serious title contenders, Les Bleus are hungry for revenge after losing the final by the narrowest of margins to Argentina two years ago.

The last giants keep their cards close

While Argentina, Italy, Angola and France have already shown their hands, the mystery remains for the rest of the field. Attention now turns to the staffs of Switzerland, Spain and Portugal, who have not yet revealed the names of those who will take to the Pierrier rink.

Waiting is also the case for Montreux HC: the host club is still keeping its official lineup under wraps, with perhaps a few small surprises. Between last-minute strategies and fitness tests, these four teams could well upset all predictions as soon as they are announced.

The countdown is on. As soon as the squads are announced, we’ll be here to break them down.