14/06/2026 19:16 - Deportes
Jugadores de la selección argentina entrenando en un campo de fútbol verde con balones, bajo un cielo despejado con un estadio moderno visible al fondo
The Argentina National Team, world champions from Qatar 2022, is ready to begin their journey in the World Cup 2026. Their debut is scheduled for June 16, 2026 at 22:00 Argentina time at Kansas City Stadium (USA) against Algeria in Group J.
Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the national team, has nearly finalized the starting eleven, though one significant absence and a question mark in central defense keep the suspense alive until the last moment.
Left-back Nicolás Tagliafico suffered a grade 1 tear in his left soleus muscle (calf area) during the friendly match against Honduras, where he could only play the first 45 minutes. This injury will sideline him, at minimum, for the opening match against Algeria.
According to TyC Sports (Argentina's leading sports network), the coaching staff hopes Tagliafico can return for the second Group J match against Austria on Saturday, June 20, though everything depends on his recovery. In a more pessimistic scenario, he might only return for a potential knockout stage.
Cristian 'Cuti' Romero (the nickname 'Cuti' is a common Argentine term of endearment) represents the coach's biggest uncertainty. The Tottenham defender comes from a long period of inactivity after suffering an injury on April 12, 2026, accumulating 55 days of recovery.
Romero returned to play minutes against Honduras, first playing 30 minutes and then 45 in another match. However, the coaching staff is evaluating whether he's fit to play the full 90 minutes or if it's better to preserve him for the second match.
Julián Álvarez has overcome the inflammation in his left ankle that had forced him to reduce training intensity during the first days of camp. Leandro Paredes has also recovered from his muscle injury and trains normally.
The competition for the center-forward position is open: Álvarez has chances to win it, although Lautaro Martínez is also under Scaloni's consideration.
With the left-back out for the debut, Scaloni has four options with different characteristics:
As reported by journalist Diego Monroig to ESPN:
If Cuti Romero plays:
Four-man defense: Molina - Cuti Romero - Otamendi - Lisandro Martínez (or a left-back depending on tactics)
If Cuti Romero does NOT play:
Three-man defense: Otamendi - Lisandro Martínez - Facundo Medina (as an offensive left-back)
Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez (nicknamed 'Dibu' from a character in an Argentine animated series called 'Mi familia es un dibujo') received medical clearance after overcoming a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand, an injury sustained during the Europa League final with Aston Villa. The goalkeeper trained with gloves for the first time in Kansas City and will be between the posts against Algeria.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | June 16, 2026 |
| Time | 22:00 Argentina time (UTC-3) |
| Stadium | Kansas City Stadium (USA) |
| Referee | Szymon Marciniak (Poland) |
| Group J Teams | Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan |
| Argentina FIFA Ranking | #1 with 1,877.27 points |
| Argentina Squad Value | USD 924.5 million |
| Algeria Squad Value | USD 296.6 million |
The match will be broadcast in Argentina by Fox Sports and Disney+. The Argentine team arrives as clear favorites after being crowned champions in Qatar 2022 and remaining at the top of the FIFA rankings.
Sources: ESPN, TyC Sports
Alfredo S. Quiroga
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