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Sport: SoccerCountry: ArgentinaCategory: Injuries

Leonardo Balerdi withdraws from Argentina squad due to calf injury

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 7:47 PM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

Leonardo Balerdi withdraws from Argentina squad due to calf injury
Summary

Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a calf injury during training. Medical tests revealed a soleus muscle injury in his right leg, prompting his withdrawal from the Argentina squad. The 27-year-old defender's absence is a significant loss, as he was set for his first World Cup appearance. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has several options for a replacement from a strong preliminary defensive list. The defending champions will play a friendly against Honduras before beginning Group J play against Algeria on June 17.

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Status Watch
  • •Balerdi suffered a calf injury during training.
  • •He was part of Argentina's final 26-man squad.
  • •The team will face Honduras in a friendly before the tournament.
  • •Argentina's Group J opener is against Algeria on June 17.
Latest Updates
  • 8:44 PMESPN Soccer — Argentina's Balerdi out of WCup with calf injury
  • 4:55 PMYahoo Sports — Leonardo Balerdi withdraws from Argentina squad after injury
What they're saying
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Argentina have suffered a setback ahead of the 2026 World Cup after Leonardo Balerdi was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury sustained in training.The Marseille defender, who had been named...

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Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a calf injury.

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