Mastantuono excluded from Argentina's World Cup squad

Argentine media reports indicate that Real Madrid's young midfielder Franco Mastantuono will not be part of the national team's squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 18-year-old, highly regarded in his generation, was reportedly left out by coach Lionel Scaloni for purely footballing reasons.

Sources suggest that Mastantuono's performance this season did not meet Scaloni's expectations. He played 35 matches for Real Madrid, starting 17, and scored three goals with one assist. However, he also received five yellow cards and one red. His opportunities at the club were further limited after the departure of Xabi Alonso, with new coach Álvaro Arbeloa favoring players like Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler.

Mastantuono's international career has also seen limited action. He has been called up four times, with one start in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. He also dealt with a pubic bone injury that sidelined him for several weeks. With his exclusion, Argentina is expected to rely on more experienced players, potentially including Giovani Lo Celso or Valentín Barco, though many seasoned players like Lionel Messi, Cuti Romero, and Emiliano Martínez are reportedly dealing with physical wear and recent injuries.