Both Brazil and Argentina have suffered significant injury setbacks ahead of their upcoming friendly matches, casting doubt on key players’ participation as both nations ramp up preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil’s defender Gabriel Magalhães has withdrawn from the squad due to a knee injury. The Arsenal centre-back sustained the injury during the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City last Sunday, in which Brazil’s international was not directly involved but had played domestically. Despite completing the match, Magalhães reported discomfort in his right knee afterwards. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on its official website:
“Following the Carabao Cup final, Gabriel Magalhães has reported pain in his right knee. Medical examinations indicate that he is not fit to participate in FIFA international matches. No replacement will be called up to the squad.”
Meanwhile, Argentina have also faced defensive challenges. Right-back Gonzalo Montiel will miss the next two friendlies after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for River Plate against Estudiantes last Sunday. Coach Lionel Scaloni has called upon Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid as Montiel’s replacement. Molina has been in excellent form with the Spanish club in recent months, providing a reliable option for Argentina’s defensive line.
In addition, central defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out through injury. In his place, Lucas Martínez Quarta, also of River Plate, has been summoned to the national squad. This marks Martínez Quarta’s first call-up since the 2024 Copa América.
The upcoming friendly fixtures serve as a crucial step in both nations’ World Cup preparations. Argentina will host Mauritania on Friday, 26 March, followed by a match against Zambia on 31 March at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. Brazil will face France this Thursday evening, with a second friendly against Croatia scheduled for 1 April (Bangladesh time) under the management of Carlo Ancelotti.
The table below summarises the key absentees and replacements:
| Team | Injured Player | Injury Type | Replacement | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Gabriel Magalhães | Knee | None | Arsenal |
| Argentina | Gonzalo Montiel | Hamstring | Nahuel Molina | Atlético Madrid |
| Argentina | Leonardo Balerdi | Unknown (Injury) | Lucas Martínez Quarta | River Plate |
The injuries are a setback for both teams, particularly in defensive stability. While Brazil have opted not to call any replacement for Magalhães, Argentina have made strategic adjustments to maintain depth in their defensive line. These friendlies will be vital for testing squad cohesion, evaluating player fitness, and finalising tactics ahead of the global tournament.
Both nations now face the challenge of adapting to these last-minute changes while ensuring that their squads remain competitive and prepared for the rigours of the 2026 World Cup.