Nico Paz’s World Cup Dilemma: Argentina’s Midfield Crisis and Scaloni’s Plan B
June 6, 2026
BUENOS AIRES—Nicolás Paz, the Argentine midfield maestro whose creativity and leadership have been the heartbeat of Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup-winning side, remains on the sidelines as the 2026 tournament looms. With his availability in doubt and Scaloni already forced to rethink his starting XI, the question isn’t just whether Paz will recover in time—it’s how Argentina will survive without him.
Paz’s injury, sustained during Argentina’s friendly against Honduras last month, has cast a shadow over the Albiceleste’s preparations. While the 28-year-old has been training, his physical condition remains a concern, and Scaloni’s team is now locked in a race against time to finalize a squad that can compete without its most vital playmaker.
The Weight of a World Cup Without Paz
Paz’s absence isn’t just about one player—it’s about the identity of Argentina’s midfield. Since his debut in 2017, Paz has been the linchpin of Scaloni’s system, orchestrating attacks with a vision few in the world can match. His ability to dictate tempo, link play, and unlock defenses made him indispensable in Qatar, where he was named to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.
Without him, Argentina faces a tactical conundrum. The midfield, traditionally anchored by Paz alongside Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes, risks losing its balance. Scaloni’s options are limited: either reshuffle the entire system or find a replacement who can replicate Paz’s influence.
“Nico is the engine of our team. Losing him changes everything—not just in terms of creativity, but in terms of morale. He’s the guy who makes the rest of us believe we can win.”
Scaloni’s Plan B: Who Steps Up?
With Paz’s status uncertain, Scaloni has begun evaluating alternatives, though none offer a perfect solution. The most likely candidates to fill the void include:
- Emiliano Buendía (River Plate): The 23-year-old has been Scaloni’s primary backup, but his defensive work rate and passing range still lag behind Paz’s. Buendía’s inclusion would force Argentina into a more direct, possession-heavy approach—one that relies on the forwards to create.
- Thiago Almada (Boca Juniors): A dynamic winger with midfield experience, Almada could slot in as a box-to-box operator, but his defensive contributions are unproven at the highest level.
- Exequiel Palacios (Brighton): The 24-year-old has impressed in England with his pressing and ball retention, but his creative output remains inconsistent compared to Paz.
- Cristian Rodríguez (Sevilla): A late bloomer, Rodríguez’s technical ability is undeniable, but his lack of match fitness and experience in high-pressure tournaments raises questions.
- Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham): The veteran has been a reliable option in friendlies, but his age (31) and recent form suggest he may not be the long-term answer.
Scaloni’s challenge isn’t just finding a replacement—it’s deciding whether to commit to one player or rotate multiple options. The coach has historically favored a settled midfield, but with Paz’s injury, flexibility may be the only way forward.
How Argentina’s Midfield Could Change
If Paz remains unavailable, Argentina’s starting XI could look radically different. One plausible formation, based on recent friendlies, might feature:
| Position | Current Starter | Potential Replacement | Tactical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Midfield (CM) | Nicolás Paz | Emiliano Buendía | More direct play, less creative freedom for forwards |
| Box-to-Box Midfield (CM) | Leandro Paredes | Thiago Almada | Higher defensive workload, potential wing overlap |
| Deep-Lying Playmaker (CM) | Enzo Fernández | Exequiel Palacios | More pressing, but less progressive passing |
This shift would require Argentina’s forwards—Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Ángel Di María—to do more of the heavy lifting in terms of creation. Whether they can adapt remains an open question.
Next Steps: When Will We Know?
Argentina’s next major test comes in a friendly against Mexico on June 12, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time (UTC-5) in Los Angeles. This match will be critical for Scaloni to assess:
- Paz’s fitness and readiness to return.
- The effectiveness of any midfield rotation.
- The adaptability of the forwards in a more direct system.
If Paz is not fit by then, Scaloni will likely announce his final squad selection by June 20, 2026, the FIFA deadline for World Cup nominations. Until then, the Albiceleste’s preparations remain in flux.
What It Means for Fans and the Tournament
For Argentine supporters, the uncertainty around Paz’s availability adds another layer of tension ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, set to begin on June 11, 2026, in the United States, promises to be a physically demanding one, and without their creative hub, Argentina’s attack could struggle to find its rhythm.
Tactically, the absence of Paz could force Scaloni into a more conservative approach, relying on counterattacks and set-pieces—a far cry from the fluid, possession-based football that won them the 2022 title. If Argentina cannot replicate that creativity, even with replacements, the road to a second consecutive World Cup title will be far steeper.
Key Takeaways
- Paz’s injury remains the biggest variable in Argentina’s World Cup preparations, with no confirmed timeline for his return.
- Scaloni’s Plan B hinges on a rotation of midfielders, with Buendía as the most likely starter if Paz is unavailable.
- Tactical adjustments will be necessary, potentially shifting Argentina toward a more direct style of play.
- The Mexico friendly on June 12 will be decisive in determining the final squad.
- Fans should expect a more conservative approach if Paz is missing, with greater reliance on counterattacks.
How to Follow
For real-time updates on Nicolás Paz’s condition and Argentina’s World Cup preparations, follow:
- AFA’s official website for injury updates.
- FIFA’s World Cup page for tournament details.
- Argentina’s official social media channels for squad announcements.
What do you think? Could Argentina adapt without Paz, or is this a crisis that could derail their World Cup hopes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
