The Argentine National Team is already in Dallas. After traveling the 820 kilometers separating Kansas City from Arlington, the squad settled into a hotel awaiting the match against Austria for the second round of the 2026 World Cup. But not all is calm: Lionel Scaloni’s mind is racing and he has already confirmed a change in the starting eleven. The reason? An injury that puts the defense in jeopardy.
Right-back Nahuel Molina will come in for Gonzalo Montiel, who is carrying a hamstring strain. Although the River Plate defender could be on the bench, it is not ruled out that he will be left out. On the other flank, Facundo Medina has earned the trust of the coaching staff, while Nicolás Tagliafico is recovering from his injury and could return at any moment. Meanwhile, Nicolás Otamendi will continue to wait for his chance.
But the real drama is in midfield. Scaloni is analyzing two changes that would shake up the scheme: Exequiel Palacios for Alexis Mac Allister and Nicolás González for Thiago Almada. The reason? The collective performance was not convincing, especially in the first half against Algeria, where the Africans found spaces behind the double pivot. The lack of a defensive midfielder forces the coaching staff to look for solutions.
Palacios, who has worked throughout the cycle, knows perfectly what Scaloni demands. With him as the more positional number five, Enzo Fernández could free himself to do what he does best: get into the opponent’s box. Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes has recovered from his injury and could add minutes, although he lacks rhythm and will start from the bench.
In attack, the one who worries most is Thiago Almada. Far from his level, he has not managed to be the partner Messi needs. Nicolás González, on the other hand, had a good entry and is pushing for a spot. Up front, Julián Álvarez has been improving in training, but Lautaro Martínez remains the most likely option, despite not having shone in the debut.
Thus, the probable eleven would be: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister or Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada or Nicolás González; Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez. Coach: Lionel Scaloni.
The match against Austria will be played on Monday, June 22 at 2:00 PM (Argentine time) at Dallas Stadium, with Egyptian Amin Mohamed Omar as referee. The National Team will seek its second victory in Group J, but with these doubts, nervousness is growing.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the National Team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Look for the codes on Mercado Libre.
che pero q esperan saquen a esos muertos del medio metan a de paul de una vez austria nos va a pasar x arriba si no reaccionamos son todos unos tibios para mi el dt es un nefasto vamoooos argentina carajo
che pero q haces scaloni?! cambias la defensa y tenes mil dudas en el medio?! austria nos va a pasar x arriba si seguis asi! los mediocampistas son todos un desastre parecen de la b! dale ponia a los pibes y larga a los falopa! aguante la scaloneta!!!!