Argentina will play its first pre-World Cup friendly on Friday night against Honduras at Kyle Field in Texas, using the match to test options while trying to avoid injuries ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. local time, and coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to field a mixed lineup with several changes forced by fitness concerns.
The squad is missing a number of players who are dealing with physical issues, including Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Paz, Leandro Paredes, Emiliano Martínez, Lionel Messi, and Julián Álvarez. Leonardo Balerdi is also out after suffering a muscle tear and being ruled out of the tournament. Because of those absences, Scaloni is using the friendly to evaluate depth and possible alternatives in key positions.
Juan Musso will start in goal, while Gerónimo Rulli is expected to play against Iceland in the next match. At right back, Agustín Giay has reportedly edged out Nicolás Capaldo, though Capaldo could still see minutes. In central defense, Nicolás Otamendi will partner with Lisandro Martínez, with Nicolás Tagliafico fixed at left back. Without Cuti Romero available, the back line will be a blend of experience and rotation.
The biggest changes come in midfield. What was initially expected to be an engine room featuring Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul has been reshaped, with Valentín Barco, Exequiel Palacios, and Giovani Lo Celso set to start instead. The adjustment gives Scaloni a different look in the middle of the pitch and a chance to assess how the team responds without several of its usual starters.
Up front, Giuliano Simeone is expected to provide width on the right, Thiago Almada will operate from the left and move inward, and Lautaro Martínez will lead the line in place of the injured Álvarez. José López could also get minutes off the bench as Argentina continues to manage workloads and protect players from further setbacks.
For Argentina, the friendly is less about the result and more about the process. With the World Cup approaching, Scaloni’s main priority is to build rhythm, examine alternatives, and keep his key players healthy as the national team begins its final preparation phase.
