Scaloni leaves door open for Emi Buendía World Cup call after Balerdi injury

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has left Emiliano Buendía in contention for a late call-up to the World Cup after Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in training. Scaloni made the comments at his pre-match press conference ahead of Argentina's friendly with Iceland on 10 June 2026, saying Balerdi's position "can be covered" and signalling a short timeframe for deciding a replacement — comments that keep Buendía's hopes alive following his omission from the initial 26-man roster.

Why it matters

Balerdi's withdrawal creates an immediate vacancy in Argentina's tournament preparations and forces Scaloni to weigh candidates with different profiles. Emi Buendía's form for Aston Villa this season made his omission from the original squad notable, and the coach's openness means a late change could alter Argentina's attacking options or squad balance ahead of the World Cup.

Scaloni's timeline and thinking

Scaloni told reporters he would use the next few days to assess options and expected to have a clearer picture quickly, adding "we can take these few days and by Wednesday, the boy we decide on can be with us" and saying "in Balerdi's position, we can be covered." He also declined to restrict the replacement search to a natural right-footed centre-back, signalling that the coaching staff will consider multiple positional solutions.

Who is in contention?

Multiple players have been linked with the potential call-up. World Soccer Talk cites reporting that Scaloni has contacted Emiliano Buendía to keep his plans flexible. Argentine reporters and insiders named a range of possibilities: Nico Paz — who has recovered from an injury —, Nicolás Capaldo and Agustín Giay (both already on the pre-tournament tour), Máximo Perrone, and veteran holding midfielder Guido Rodríguez. Gastón Edul is reported to have emphasised that the replacement need not be a right-sided centre-back because Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero can cover that area.

That list covers different tactical profiles: Buendía offers attacking versatility, Capaldo and Giay are defensive options brought as cover for other injuries, Perrone provides midfield cover, and Rodríguez is a defensive midfielder with international experience. Scaloni’s comments suggested the decision will be informed by how Argentina finishes their warm-up schedule.

• AFA confirmed Leonardo Balerdi suffered a soleus muscle injury in his right leg and is ruled out of the World Cup.
• Scaloni said Balerdi's position "can be covered" and expected a decision on a replacement within days.
• Emiliano Buendía has been contacted and remains in contention, according to ESPN Argentina's Diego Monroig (reported via World Soccer Talk).
• Other names in the mix include Nicolás Capaldo, Agustín Giay, Máximo Perrone and Guido Rodríguez, per reporting cited by World Soccer Talk.
• Gastón Edul reported the replacement does not have to be a right-footed centre-back since Otamendi and Romero can cover that role.

Tactical and squad implications

Scaloni's willingness to look beyond a conventional right-sided centre-back implies Argentina may choose to prioritise versatility or reinforce another area of the squad. If a creative or wide option such as Buendía were added, it could provide cover behind the front line or more depth on the right flank. Alternatively, selecting a midfielder or defender already with the touring party would be a low-disruption option for the squad ahead of the tournament.

Any change will also affect Argentina's immediate warm-up fixtures. The team faces Iceland in a friendly on 10 June 2026 (kick-off 01:00 UTC), and Scaloni has signalled he wants to finalise his thinking quickly so the chosen player can join the squad in time.

What happens next

Scaloni has indicated a decision should come shortly and that the replacement could be with the squad by midweek. Until the AFA announces an official change to the 26-man roster, any names remain speculative. Fans and media should expect further updates in the days immediately before the World Cup as Argentina finalise their travelling party.