Nicolas Tagliafico likely to miss Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria
After sustaining a calf injury during a warm-up match, Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to sit out the team's first game against Algeria.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Sebas
Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to miss the team's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria, scheduled for the night of June 16 to 17.
The 33-year-old sustained a minor injury to his left calf during a preparation match against Honduras on June 7, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Argentina. Medical examinations confirmed the injury, and while his participation in the tournament is currently not in jeopardy, Lionel Scaloni's staff is expected to rest him for the clash with Algeria to monitor his recovery.
This injury comes as the defending world champions have already lost Leonardo Balerdi to a right calf injury, with the defender being replaced in the squad by Tottenham's Marcos Senesi. Tagliafico, a member of the winning 2022 campaign, was initially expected to start the tournament as a regular.
In his absence against Algeria, Scaloni may look to rotate his squad, with Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martinez, or Valentin Barco being potential options to fill the left-back position.