Kansas City, Jun 12 (V7N) – Defending champions Argentina have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with defender Leonardo Balerdi ruled out of the tournament due to a right hamstring injury.
Argentina are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on Tuesday (June 16), but the Albiceleste will now have to cope without one of their defensive options for the entire competition.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has named Tottenham Hotspur defender Marcos Senesi as Balerdi’s official replacement in the final 26-man squad. Senesi earned his place after successfully completing a fitness test during Argentina’s recent friendly match against Iceland.
The 28-year-old defender received his first-ever World Cup call-up just a day after completing a free-transfer move to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite being eligible to represent Italy, Senesi previously chose to play for Argentina and will now have the opportunity to feature on football’s biggest stage.
Following the announcement, Senesi departed immediately to join Argentina’s World Cup base camp in Kansas City, Missouri, where the squad is completing its final preparations for the tournament.
Argentina, the reigning world champions, have been placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Scaloni’s side will be aiming to begin their title defense with a positive result despite the late injury setback in their defensive ranks.
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