Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly placed five players on standby ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as concerns remain over the fitness of several members of his final squad.
While Argentina have already submitted their official 26-man roster for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Scaloni is understood to be closely monitoring a number of players carrying physical issues. FIFA regulations allow teams to replace injured players up to 24 hours before their first World Cup match, provided the injury is medically certified.
According to Argentine outlet Doble Amarilla, five players have been informed that they could receive a late call-up if any member of the squad is ruled out before the tournament begins.
The standby list includes goalkeeper Santiago Beltran, defenders Nicolas Capaldo and Marcos Senesi, and midfielders Maximo Perrone and Emiliano Buendia. Each player has reportedly been selected as a potential replacement for a specific member of the current squad.
The precaution comes as Argentina manage the fitness of six players ahead of their title defence. Captain Lionel Messi is among those reportedly dealing with physical concerns, alongside goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, and midfielders Nico Paz and Leandro Paredes.
Scaloni and his coaching staff are said to have instructed the five standby players to remain available until the final deadline for roster changes. With Argentina aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, the coaching staff are taking no chances with player fitness.
The situation is reminiscent of the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Argentina were forced into late squad changes. Nicolas Gonzalez was ruled out after suffering a biceps femoris injury, while Joaquin Correa missed the tournament because of an Achilles problem.
Scaloni responded by calling up Angel Correa and Thiago Almada at short notice. Although neither played a major role during the competition, both were part of the squad that lifted the trophy after Argentina’s dramatic final victory over France.
