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World Cup 2026
Argentina's midfielder Nico Paz risks missing the 2026 World Cup due to a knee injury sustained with Como, raising concerns before matches against Algeria and Jordan.
The Argentine national team has encountered a troubling development just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, as doubts have increased regarding the fitness of midfielder Nico Paz to participate in the tournament following an injury he sustained while playing for his Italian club Como in recent weeks of the season.
Argentina is preparing to defend its World Cup title in a group that includes Algeria, Jordan, and Austria. Their opening match is scheduled for the early hours of June 17 against the Desert Warriors.
Prior to that, the Argentine squad will play two friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland on June 7 and June 10, respectively.
Paz suffered a knee injury during a match against Hellas Verona, which caused him to miss the subsequent two games.
Initially, medical assessments indicated the injury was minor and unlikely to affect his World Cup participation. However, recent developments have raised concerns within the "Tango" camp.
According to the Spanish newspaper "AS," the atmosphere shifted from optimism about Paz's recovery to worry, as there is a possibility that his injury is more serious than a simple muscular problem.
Paz is expected to undergo daily evaluations in the coming period before a final decision is made regarding his participation, and he is currently classified as one of the players at risk of missing the World Cup.
This concern follows an impressive season by the young player, which positioned him as one of the prominent candidates to play a key role in the Argentine team’s renewal phase.
His potential absence could create a significant gap in the midfield, especially since the defending champions are still searching for solutions to compensate for the departure of star Ángel Di María. The team requires players capable of linking play and creating opportunities, roles that Paz fulfills.
As highlighted by "AS," if it is confirmed that the former Real Madrid academy player will miss the World Cup, Emiliano Buendía emerges as the strongest candidate to replace him in the final squad.
Buendía’s nomination follows his notable performance at the end of the season with Aston Villa, where he demonstrated his ability to influence major matches. The player is also known for his tactical versatility and capacity to occupy various attacking positions behind the strikers.
Observers believe that Buendía’s recent form, combined with his high morale, could give him the advantage to represent Argentina in the World Cup if Nico Paz is confirmed absent from the tournament.
