Marcos Senesi joins Argentina World Cup squad

Lionel Scaloni has made a definitive adjustment to his defensive ranks on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, officially adding Marcos Senesi to the Argentina squad. The Tottenham defender becomes the 26th man on the roster, arriving as a replacement for Leonardo Balerdi, who has been forced out of the tournament through injury.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed the squad change on Thursday evening, ending speculation regarding how Scaloni would address the vacancy left by Balerdi. While the loss of the original inclusion is a blow to the group's continuity, the arrival of a Premier League regular provides the coaching staff with a seasoned left-footed option in the heart of the backline.

Senesi’s inclusion is a reward for his consistent performances at club level, where he has established himself as a reliable presence in a high-pressing system. His familiarity with elite competition likely weighed heavily in Scaloni’s decision to integrate him into a camp that is already under significant pressure to perform on the global stage.

For Argentina, maintaining defensive depth is paramount throughout a gruelling tournament calendar. With the competition’s demands in mind, having a ball-playing centre-back who can slot into several tactical configurations offers Scaloni the flexibility required to navigate the knockout rounds.

This late shuffle comes as the reigning holders finalize their preparations. Senesi will join the camp immediately, looking to integrate with colleagues who have already been working through the final tactical drills. While he was perhaps fortunate to benefit from an unfortunate injury to a teammate, his recent form suggests he is more than ready for the responsibility.

The administrative swap has now been ratified, and the focus shifts back to the pitch. Scaloni’s squad is once again at its full complement of 26 players as they prepare for their opening fixture of the 2026 finals.