Defending champions Argentina have suffered a major injury concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Leandro Paredes sustained a hamstring problem that could rule him out of the team’s opening match against Algeria.
Argentina are scheduled to begin their World Cup title defence against Algeria on 17 June after the two nations were drawn together in Group 10 alongside Jordan and Austria.
The injury was revealed by Argentine journalist Martin Arevalo, who reported that the 31-year-old midfielder will require approximately three weeks of rest to recover.
According to the report, Paredes suffered the injury while playing for Boca Juniors during Friday’s Copa Libertadores match against Universidad Católica.
The midfielder is said to have continued playing until the end of the match despite feeling discomfort, potentially worsening the issue.
Doubts emerge over Algeria match
The timing of the injury has created uncertainty over whether Paredes will be available for Argentina’s opening World Cup fixture.
Reports indicate that the midfielder is expected to miss Argentina’s planned warm-up friendlies against Honduras on 7 June and Iceland on 9 June.
His availability for the clash with Algeria remains unclear, raising concerns for coach Lionel Scaloni as preparations continue for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Paredes had previously been included in Scaloni’s final 26-man World Cup squad, joining a midfield group that also contains Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister.
The experienced midfielder has earned 77 international caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina aiming to defend world title
Argentina enter the 2026 tournament carrying the expectations that accompany their status as reigning world champions.
The South American side secured their third World Cup title in Qatar after defeating France on penalties in one of the most dramatic finals in the tournament’s history.
Much of the attention will again focus on captain Lionel Messi, who played a decisive role in leading Argentina to glory in 2022.
Scaloni’s side are considered among the favourites to challenge for the title once more, but the injury to Paredes has introduced an unexpected complication just weeks before the competition begins.
Algeria preparing for major challenge
For Algeria, the possibility of facing an Argentina side without one of its experienced midfielders could provide a slight advantage ahead of one of the most anticipated matches in the group stage.
The North African side will open their campaign against the defending champions in what is expected to be a difficult test against one of international football’s strongest squads.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Paredes, Argentina still possess considerable depth and experience throughout the squad as they prepare to begin another World Cup campaign under Scaloni.
However, with the tournament fast approaching, the fitness of the Boca Juniors midfielder is likely to remain a major talking point within the Argentine camp.
