Leandro Paredes to start in Argentina v Egypt | OneFootball

Leandro Paredes is cementing himself as Boca’s leading standard-bearer in the Argentina national team and will start against Egypt in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Lionel Scaloni will trust the Xeneize midfielder to lead the center of the national team in a crucial match.

The national team coach made three major changes compared to the lineup that secured qualification in the demanding Round of 32 against Cape Verde. The inclusion of the blue-and-gold club’s midfielder in place of Thiago Almada represents a clear bet on tactical balance and clean distribution from the back.

Along with this change, Nicolás Tagliafico will regain his place at left-back in place of Facundo Medina, while Julián Álvarez will partner Lionel Messi in attack, taking Lautaro Martínez’s spot.

Argentina is aiming for a place in the quarterfinals.

The confirmation of the number five in the Albiceleste’s starting lineup is a source of absolute pride for Xeneize. The player is carrying his extraordinary form at Boca straight into the biggest stage in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His ability to control the tempo, break lines, and lead the press will be crucial in countering the physical intensity of the African side.

In this way, the lineup confirmed by the coaching staff will consist of Emiliano Martínez in goal; a back line made up of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico; in midfield will be Rodrigo De Paul, the Boca midfielder himself, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández; while the attack will be led by captain Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

Leandro Paredes shined against Cape Verde

What time Argentina vs Egypt kicks off and how to watch

The crucial match featuring the Ribera club’s star from the start will be played this Tuesday from 1:00 PM (Argentina time). The action will take place at the impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that will host a clash where the margin for error is nonexistent. The entire Xeneize fanbase will be glued to the screen to closely follow the performance of their current top international figure.

Leandro Paredes will start alongside Lionel Messi and company.

The officiating will be in the hands of French referee François Letexier, a well-known official in European football who will look to keep order in a high-friction clash. For the millions of blue-and-gold supporters who want to follow the match minute by minute, the live broadcast will have extensive TV coverage through Telefe, TyC Sports, and D Sports.

Keep reading:

The Uruguayan playing at the 2026 World Cup who is being linked with Boca

Argentina beat Austria and advanced to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup

With Messi breaking records: Argentina thrashed Algeria in its 2026 World Cup opener

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.