Real Madrid is reportedly looking to rebuild this summer after a second consecutive season without any major silverware. With presidential elections on the horizon, Florentino Perez’s potential re-election could see Jose Mourinho appointed as the new manager. The club’s underwhelming performance has also impacted individual players, with several of them failing to secure spots in the upcoming World Cup.
Previously, Real Madrid stars Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were overlooked for World Cup selection. While many other Real Madrid players are set to compete in the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, these four would have likely targeted this event at the beginning of the season.
Franco Mastantuono Misses World Cup Call-up for Argentina
Adding to the list of omissions, Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono has also been excluded by coach Lionel Scaloni from his 26-man squad for the tournament. Mastantuono had a promising start at Real Madrid after his €45 million transfer last summer, but his form declined as the season progressed, and he appeared to lack confidence by its conclusion. The 18-year-old, who has four caps for Argentina and was part of the squad in March, was not selected by Scaloni for the World Cup.
Seven La Liga Players Selected for Scaloni’s Squad
A total of seven La Liga players have been included in Scaloni’s squad. Atletico Madrid contributes six players: Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almada, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Nahuel Molina, and Juan Musso, with Lionel Messi leading the team. Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso has also made the cut, alongside Nico Paz, who is expected to be re-signed by Real Madrid from Como this summer.
Full Argentina Squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina.
Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Valentin Barco.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel López, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz.
