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Devastating news for Argentina and Joaquín Panichelli. The 23-year-old forward suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during an Albiceleste training session on Thursday, an injury that definitively rules him out of the 2026 World Cup.
The unfortunate incident occurred during the final training session before the friendly match against Mauritania. The Strasbourg player left the pitch in tears, awaiting medical examinations that would later confirm the worst-case scenario.
The results of the exams, known after midnight, revealed a recurrence of the same injury the forward had sustained two years prior. This severe injury effectively ends Panichelli's dream of representing the reigning world champions at the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer.
The striker's call-up had generated significant anticipation, especially given his excellent form in Ligue 1 — he is currently the French league's top scorer with 16 goals. His outstanding performance in France earned him a call-up from Lionel Scaloni and his debut for the Argentine national team in a friendly against Angola last November.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the national team coach had recalled Panichelli to observe him closely. However, this serious injury prevents the forward from competing for a spot on the final squad list for the competition.
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