In a major blow to one of Argentina’s brightest young talents, Franco Mastantuono has reportedly been excluded from Lionel Scaloni’s final Argentina World Cup 2026 squad. According to TyC Sports, the head coach has made a tough call on the 18-year-old Real Madrid starlet, prioritizing squad balance and form ahead of the title defense in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This development comes as Scaloni prepares to announce Argentina’s 26-man roster, with the final cut expected imminently.
Here’s why Mastantuono is reportedly left out of Argentina’s World Cup 2026 Squad
The primary reason cited for Mastantuono’s omission is his limited playing time at club level. After a promising move to Real Madrid, the young attacking midfielder/winger has struggled for consistent starts under the current setup. Scaloni, known for rewarding players in form, appears to have favored more established options or those with better rhythm.
Mastantuono showed immense potential at River Plate before his big transfer and earned early senior caps for Argentina. However, his adaptation challenges in Europe have impacted his international prospects at this critical stage.
Key Factors in Scaloni’s Decision:
- Club Form & Playing Time: Limited appearances and starts at Real Madrid.
- Squad Competition: Intense battle for attacking and midfield spots with players like Alejandro Garnacho, Giovani Lo Celso, and others.
- Tactical Fit: Scaloni’s system demands players who can contribute immediately in high-stakes matches.
Background on Franco Mastantuono and His Argentina Journey
Born in 2007, Mastantuono became one of Argentina’s youngest debutants in 2025. He impressed during World Cup qualifiers and was widely tipped as a potential wildcard for the 2026 tournament — possibly emulating the path of past wonderkids.
His dribbling ability, vision, and versatility made him a fan favorite, with many comparing his style to elements of Argentina’s golden generation. Despite the setback, at just 18 years old, Mastantuono has time on his side for future tournaments.
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