Scaloni’s Two Confirmed Replacement Options for Balerdi

According to TyC Sports and Infobae, Scaloni has narrowed his choices to two players for Balerdi’s spot in the 2026 World Cup roster:

Scaloni’s Two Confirmed Replacement Options for Balerdi
  • Guido Rodríguez (Inter Miami CF): The 24-year-old midfielder has been linked to a late call-up in recent months, with Página/12 reporting he is the frontrunner for inclusion.
  • Another unnamed option: While sources do not specify the second player, Olé confirms Scaloni is evaluating at least one additional candidate, likely from the domestic league or lower-tier international competitions.

Balerdi, a key midfield pivot for Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning campaign, suffered a serious knee injury in the 2022 final and has been sidelined since. His recovery remains uncertain, with no official timeline from medical sources.

Why Scaloni’s Decision Could Reshape Argentina’s Midfield

Balerdi’s absence would force Scaloni to adjust Argentina’s midfield structure, which has relied heavily on his defensive stability and passing range. According to Diario El Día de La Plata, the Argentine manager has emphasized the need for a player who can:

  • Cover the central midfield pivot (Balerdi’s primary role).
  • Maintain defensive solidity against high-pressing opponents.
  • Provide creative outlets for Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

Rodríguez, a box-to-box midfielder with experience in both defensive and attacking phases, fits this profile. However, his inclusion would require Scaloni to drop another player—likely from the defensive midfield or wing-back positions—to maintain squad balance.

Scaloni Extends Decision Timeline: What’s Next?

Scaloni’s statement—“Capaz me tomo uno o dos días más” (Spanish for “Maybe I’ll take one or two more days”)—was reported by TyC Sports and Infobae following Argentina’s recent friendly victory over Mexico. The delay suggests Scaloni is:

Scaloni Extends Decision Timeline: What’s Next?
  • Waiting for final medical updates on Balerdi’s status.
  • Evaluating the fitness of other midfielders, including Exequiel Palacios (Manchester United) and Cristian Romero (Tottenham).
  • Assessing the tactical impact of each replacement option.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has not set a firm deadline for the final roster submission, but sources indicate it will be announced by June 15, 2024, ahead of the squad’s first training camp in July.

Who Could Replace Balerdi? The Top Contenders

While Rodríguez is the most frequently mentioned name, other players have been discussed in Argentine media:

Lionel Scaloni’s Final Choices For FIFA World Cup 2026 | Argentina Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Player Club Position Why They Fit Potential Drawbacks
Guido Rodríguez Inter Miami CF Central Midfield Defensive solidity, experience in MLS and domestic leagues. Limited high-level tournament experience.
Exequiel Palacios Manchester United Central Midfield Premier League experience, creative playmaker. Defensive liability in some systems.
Cristian Romero Tottenham Defensive Midfield Ball-winning midfielder, Premier League-proven. Less attacking contribution than Balerdi.
Nicolás González Nice Central Midfield Versatile, can play as a box-to-box or deep-lying playmaker. Injury history (recovered from ACL tear).

Note: No official confirmation exists on a second candidate beyond Rodríguez. Speculation in Argentine media suggests a domestic league player (e.g., from Liga Profesional or Primera División) could be considered.

Argentina’s Path to the 2026 World Cup: Key Dates and Next Steps

Argentina’s World Cup preparations are now focused on:

  • June 15, 2024: Expected final roster announcement by AFA.
  • July 2024: First training camp in Buenos Aires, followed by a friendly against Brazil.
  • September 2024: CONMEBOL window for final squad adjustments.
  • November 2024: Friendly matches against Spain and Italy in preparation for the 2026 tournament.

The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will mark Argentina’s first appearance since their 2022 title. Scaloni’s midfield selection will be critical in determining whether the squad can maintain its defensive structure while adapting to the expanded 48-player format.

FAQ: Argentina’s World Cup Roster and Balerdi’s Replacement

From Instagram — related to World Cup
Can Balerdi still recover in time for the 2026 World Cup?
As of June 2024, no official medical update confirms Balerdi’s availability. His knee injury from the 2022 final remains a long-term concern, and FIFA does not track individual player recovery timelines. Scaloni’s delay suggests he is prioritizing a replacement regardless of Balerdi’s status.
Will Argentina’s midfield be weaker without Balerdi?
Balerdi’s role as a defensive pivot is unique, but Argentina has depth in central midfield. Players like Palacios and Romero can cover his defensive duties, though the creative aspect of his play may be harder to replace.
How does the 2026 World Cup roster format affect Argentina’s choices?
The 2026 tournament expands squads to 48 players, allowing Argentina to carry more depth. However, Scaloni must still balance tactical needs with player availability. A late replacement like Rodríguez would require dropping another midfielder, which could impact bench options.