Argentina set to miss Tagliafico in World Cup opener against Algeria
Argentina will begin its World Cup campaign without defender Nicolas Tagliafico, according to an Olé report cited in the Israeli article. Tagliafico, who played a major role in Argentina’s latest title run, is expected to miss the opener against Algeria because of a muscle strain.
Coach Lionel Scaloni is likely to replace him at left back with Facundo Medina. Although Medina is a natural center back, the Marseille defender has already filled in at that position in Argentina’s last two warm-up matches, against Honduras and Iceland.
The report also says Valentin Barco, the 21-year-old left-footed prospect who can play in midfield or defense, is not expected to start despite being one of the team’s most exciting options. Nico Gonzalez, who can also cover the left side of defense, is injured as well.
In midfield, Gaston Edul reports that Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Ederson Alvarez and Thiago Almada are all guaranteed starting spots for the match against the Desert Foxes. The update comes as Argentina, the defending world champions, prepares for its World Cup 2026 opener.
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