Argentina Calls Up Marcos Senesi Ahead of World Cup Opener Against Algeria

With the 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria just three days away, Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has summoned defender Marcos Senesi to replace Leonardo Balerdi in the squad. The match will take place at Kansas City stadium in the United States as part of Group J.

Leonardo Balerdi, a key defender for Argentina, suffered a severe injury during the national team's training sessions, leading to an official announcement of his absence from the tournament. Argentina will begin their title defense on Tuesday, June 16, facing Algeria.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed that Scaloni decided to call up Marcos Senesi to join the national team roster. Balerdi, who plays for Olympique Marseille, was excluded from the 26-player squad on Saturday after sustaining a right calf injury. Although there were reports of his recovery and potential return, the injury ultimately prevented him from participating in the World Cup finals for the first time.

On the social media platform X, the Argentine Football Association stated: "Marcos Senesi joins Argentina's squad for the 2026 World Cup."

Senesi, 29 years old and capped three times for Argentina, recently signed with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League after his contract with Bournemouth ended. This season, he missed only one Premier League match and contributed to Bournemouth securing a spot in European competitions for the first time by finishing sixth.

Argentina, the defending champions, will start their campaign in Group J by facing Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup, and the first to feature 48 teams, began on Thursday in Mexico City. The host nation Mexico secured a clear 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament's opening match.