Less than two weeks before the debut against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine National Team is going through the decisive stage of its preparation with intense training, warm-up friendlies, and ongoing monitoring of several players who are dealing with physical discomfort. Although Lionel Scaloni intends to face the tournament with the 26 confirmed call-ups, his coaching staff has already activated a contingency plan for any eventuality.
The case that is generating the most attention right now is that of Nicolás Paz. The midfielder from Como is still recovering from a trauma to his left knee suffered in early May in Serie A and has not yet received medical clearance to train normally. Despite already working with the ball alongside the group in Kansas City, the doctors continue to evaluate his progress as he still cannot take impacts in the affected area without risking aggravating the injury.
Nico Paz has not yet fully recovered from his injury.
The situation of the midfielder adds to that of other players who arrived with various physical issues, including Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, and Emiliano Martínez. In contrast, Nicolás González has already overcome his muscle injury and has returned to participate in football exercises with the rest of the squad.
With FIFA regulations allowing modifications for serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before the first match, the coaching staff has decided to keep a group of players under observation who could be called up in case of emergency.
In total, there are nine players warned that they could join the World Cup squad if any last-minute withdrawals occur, including Emiliano Buendía, Matías Soulé, Máximo Perrone, Nicolás Capaldo, Agustín Giay, Tomás Aranda, and Santiago Beltrán, who were part of the preliminary list of 55 call-ups. In this context, several continue to train at the recommendation of the National Team to remain available throughout the competition.
Within that group, Buendía stands out as one of the main alternatives in case Scaloni needs to replace an attacking midfielder. The Aston Villa player was close to making the final list after a standout season in Europe and continues to work under the Albiceleste's watch, awaiting any news.
Buendía is the main alternative that Scaloni is considering.
Meanwhile, Argentina will face friendlies against Honduras (6/6 at Kyle Field in Texas) and Iceland (9/6 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Alabama), the last tests before the World Cup debut. These matches will serve to assess the players' physical condition, regain competitive rhythm, and clear up doubts that still persist regarding some members of the squad aiming to defend the title obtained in Qatar 2022.
Once in the tournament, the Albiceleste will be in Group J, along with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Their participation will begin on Tuesday, June 16 against the Africans at the Kansas City Stadium, then they will face the Europeans on Monday, June 22 at the Dallas Stadium, and finally close the first phase with their match against the Asians on Saturday, June 27, again in Kansas.
