Bad news for Scaloni ahead of the World Cup: Argentina national team player suffers injury and will miss the tournament
This defender was part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup and will miss the 2026 tournament.
The world of football has been struck by a heartbreaking development as Juan Foyth suffered a devastating injury that completely reshapes his sporting future and that of the Argentine National Team. During the high-stakes LaLiga Matchday 21 clash between Villarreal and Real Madrid, the Argentine defender ruptured his left Achilles tendon, an injury that all but guarantees he will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Moment the Dream Cracked
The incident occurred in the 24th minute of the first half at the Estadio de la Cerámica. In what is often the most cruel fashion in sports, it was a non-contact injury. Foyth attempted to pivot to his left when his foot caught awkwardly on the turf. The sudden "snap" of the tendon was immediately evident in his expression of sheer agony as he collapsed to the ground.
The medical staff rushed onto the pitch, and after a brief examination, the diagnosis was clear: Foyth could not continue. In a poignant moment that captured the hearts of fans worldwide, Foyth was helped off the field by the young Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono. As he left the pitch in tears, the entire stadium rose for a thunderous ovation, recognizing the gravity of the moment for the 28-year-old veteran.
The Medical Outlook: A Long Road Back
On Sunday, Villarreal released an official medical report confirming the severity of the injury. Foyth is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the Achilles rupture. Historically, this specific injury is known as the "Kryptonite" of professional athletes, typically demanding a recovery period of eight to ten months.
With the World Cup kicking off on June 11, 2026, the math simply doesn't add up for the La Plata native. This leaves Foyth facing a grueling rehabilitation process just as he was reaching his peak maturity as a versatile defender in one of the world's most competitive leagues.
A Massive Blow to the "Albiceleste"
For the reigning 2022 World Champions, Foyth was far more than just a squad player. His tactical versatility—capable of playing as a rock-solid right-back, a central defender, or even a defensive midfielder—made him a favorite for the Argentine coaching staff.
With 22 caps for the national team, Foyth had become a permanent fixture in recent call-ups, including the latest friendly against Angola and the most recent round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. His absence forces a significant reshuffle in the defensive depth chart, putting more pressure on players like Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel to remain fit and in form.
The First Major Casualty of 2026
Foyth’s injury marks the first major setback for Argentina ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For a player who has given everything to the blue and white stripes, missing out on what would have been his second World Cup is a bitter pill to swallow. The Argentine camp now faces the difficult task of finding a replacement who can provide the same level of reliability and tactical "insurance" that Foyth offered.
