Argentina welcome Alvarez and Romero back to full training ahead of 2026 World Cup

Who: Argentina have been boosted by the return to full training of forward Julian Álvarez and defender Cristian Romero. What: Both players were declared fit to take part in normal sessions and are available to coach Lionel Scaloni as the squad prepares for the 2026 World Cup. When: The medical clearance was reported on June 2, 2026, and both trained with the squad that day; Argentina's Group J opener is scheduled for June 16 in Kansas City against Algeria. Why it matters: Álvarez and Romero are established starters for La Albiceleste, and their availability shapes selection, tactical balance and defensive/attacking options in the run-up to the tournament.

Why it matters for Argentina's World Cup plans

Having two senior players return to full training provides Scaloni with clearer selection choices ahead of friendlies against Honduras (June 6) and Iceland (June 9), where both could feature. Romero's return restores an experienced option in central defence, while Álvarez adds depth and goal threat in attack. The timing matters because several other squad members remain under medical supervision, so any recovered senior names reduce pressure on the manager when finalising match plans and managing minutes before the tournament opener.

What the report says: injuries and recoveries

According to the Argentine Football Association medical update, Cristian Romero and Julian Álvarez trained normally with the full squad and are ‘fully at the disposal of the coaching staff’ moving forward. Romero had been sidelined since April 12 with a knee sprain and missed the end of Tottenham’s Premier League season. Álvarez missed the conclusion of Atlético Madrid’s campaign with an ankle problem that previously required him to play through painkillers, and his last recorded outing for the club was on May 5 in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

Other squad fitness updates

The same update noted further fitness questions in the wider squad. Goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez has a minor fracture to the ring finger of his right hand and will miss the upcoming friendlies. Midfielder Leandro Paredes is recovering from a right hamstring tear and his participation on June 16 is uncertain. Young midfielder Nico Paz is progressing in rehabilitation and expected to begin testing his knee in regular training after a minor fracture suffered on May 10, though further medical clearance is pending.

Tactical and selection implications

Romero’s presence gives Scaloni options to pair experienced centre-backs or rotate to manage workload ahead of the tournament. Álvarez’s return increases competition among the forward options, allowing Scaloni to consider different attacking combinations in the friendlies and preserve players managing muscular overload. With some senior players likely to be rested for the warm-up matches, the coaching staff can use the next fixtures to assess sharpness, defensive stability and Álvarez’s match fitness after his ankle issue.

• Cristian Romero and Julian Álvarez trained normally and are available to Argentina after medical clearance.
• Argentina's Group J opener at the 2026 World Cup is on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.
• Romero missed nearly two months with a knee sprain; Álvarez was sidelined with an ankle problem after May 5.
• Emiliano Martínez will miss upcoming friendlies with a minor finger fracture; Leandro Paredes is doubtful with a hamstring tear.
• Nico Paz is nearing a return to full training but still requires testing/clearance.

What happens next: Argentina will use the friendly matches on June 6 and June 9 to finalise preparations and monitor player fitness. Álvarez and Romero could feature in those games if the coaching staff chooses to give them minutes; further official medical bulletins from the AFA or confirmation from the players’ clubs would clarify long-term readiness ahead of the June 16 World Cup opener.