Argentina's Balerdi To Miss World Cup 2026 With Calf Injury Ahead Of Algeria Clash

Argentina have suffered a setback for the 2026 World Cup, as Leonardo Balerdi is ruled out. The Marseille captain picked up a calf problem in training, ending hopes of a first World Cup. Balerdi, aged 27, had been named in Lionel Scaloni's final 26-player squad.

Argentina confirmed that the defender’s issue affects the soleus muscle in the right leg. The injury means Balerdi cannot travel with the group that will defend the title. Medical staff assessed the damage after the training session and decided a replacement is required.

In an official communication, the federation stated: "Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be able to be part of the squad that will play the World Cup, Argentina said in a statement." No update yet names a successor.

Ten defenders were placed on an extended list from which Scaloni must pick one replacement. Options include Agustin Giay, Nicolas Capaldo, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Kevin Mac Allister and Zaid Romero. German Pezzella, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marcos Acuna and Gabriel Rojas are also under consideration.

Marcos Senesi is another candidate after leaving Bournemouth at the end of last season. Senesi is reported to be close to joining Tottenham, yet missed the original 26-player group. Scaloni must choose one defender from this wider pool before the Group J opener.

Argentina will first complete two World Cup warm-up matches in North America. The defending champions face Honduras in a pre-tournament friendly on Sunday. An additional friendly against Iceland follows, giving Scaloni further time to test defensive combinations without Balerdi.

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The group stage campaign starts on 17 June against Algeria in Group J. Austria and Jordan complete Argentina’s section in North America, setting up varied tactical challenges. Scaloni’s side are given a 10% chance of retaining the trophy by the Opta supercomputer.

Only three nations are rated more likely to win the tournament by Opta’s model. Spain lead at 16%, France follow at 13%, and England stand at 11%. These numbers underline how difficult a title defence may be, especially after losing Balerdi.

Balerdi’s injury arrives after a strong season with Marseille, where the defender played a central role. No teammate in Ligue 1 won more aerial duels than Balerdi’s 72. Only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with 2,002, completed more successful league passes for Marseille than Balerdi’s 1,377.

The Argentine federation also posted a message of support on social media.

Balerdi’s absence forces an early reshuffle for Argentina’s title defence plans. Scaloni must now decide which defender steps into the space created by this late injury. The final choice will shape Argentina’s back line when the World Cup campaign begins.