Nicolás Tagliafico

Analysis: Tagliafico was named among the substitutes for Tuesday's dominant win over Algeria but did not enter the pitch, with the coaching staff opting to preserve the Lyon left-back whose physical condition was likely not yet sufficient to handle meaningful game time after the fitness concerns that had emerged in the days leading up to the tournament opener. His presence on the bench was nonetheless a positive sign, with the Argentine watching from the touchline alongside fellow Ligue 1 players Geronimo Rulli and Valentin Barco as his side put on a commanding performance that effectively ended the contest by the 75th minute. With a few days now available to continue his recovery, Tagliafico will be working to regain full fitness ahead of what could be a first real opportunity against Austria.

Jun 14, 2026

Could return against Austria

Tagliafico (calf) is not training, but the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni believes the left-back could be available to face Austria on Saturday, June 22, according to TyC Sports.

Analysis: Tagliafico will miss the WC opener against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, but the left-back has an outside chance to return to the squad for the team's upcoming match. It remains to be seen who will start at left-back as his replacement against Algeria, with Nicolas Gonzalez (strain), Valentin Barco, Marcos Senesi and Lisandro Martinez all being options to fill that void.