Scaloni still hasn’t decided Mastantuono’s future

The World Cup dream of Franco Mastantuono could take a dramatic turn over the next few days.

According to information published by Diario AS, the young Real Madrid starlet is at serious risk of being left out of Argentina’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite arriving in excellent physical condition.

The 18-year-old attacker joined Argentina’s training camp in Buenos Aires after completing a demanding debut season with Real Madrid, where he made 23 official appearances and began establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Argentine football.

The issue is not his fitness

What makes the situation even more surprising is that Mastantuono’s possible omission has absolutely nothing to do with injuries or physical concerns.

According to the report from Diario AS, the youngster is fully fit and has impressed within the national team environment. However, Argentina’s attacking depth and several tactical adjustments are leaving open the possibility of him missing out on the final roster.

Lionel Scaloni publicly admitted that the coaching staff still has unresolved doubts regarding some spots in the squad.

“We still have some doubts that we’ll resolve in the coming days,” the Argentina manager explained, while also insisting that the final decisions will depend on form and overall player readiness.

The AFA remains divided over the youngster

Inside the Argentine Football Association, there are reportedly mixed opinions regarding the ideal timing for Mastantuono’s full integration into the senior national team setup.

The Real Madrid teenager currently remains on an alternative list alongside names such as Emi Buendía, Matías Soulé, and Agustín Giay, while the coaching staff continues monitoring several injured players.

For now, the youngster’s biggest hope depends on the medical evaluations of Nahuel Molina, Nico González, and Gonzalo Montiel, all of whom are still being assessed before Argentina finalizes its World Cup roster.

Argentina prepares to defend its crown

The reigning world champions are still adjusting the final details before beginning the defense of their World Cup title in 2026.

Argentina will compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, in a tournament where Scaloni is once again trying to balance experience and youth throughout the squad.

Meanwhile, Franco Mastantuono waits anxiously. And although everything seemed to point toward the World Cup being the next major step in his meteoric rise, his place at football’s biggest tournament is suddenly far from guaranteed.

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