Real Madrid is aiming for a significant improvement this summer after enduring a second consecutive season without major silverware. With presidential elections on the horizon, Florentino Perez’s expected re-election could usher in Jose Mourinho as the new manager. The team’s overall performance has also impacted individual players, with several Real Madrid stars missing out on selection for the upcoming World Cup.
Prior to this latest exclusion, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, and Trent Alexander-Arnold had already been informed of their non-selection for the World Cup. While a substantial contingent of Real Madrid players will still participate in the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, these four players would have undoubtedly set their sights on inclusion at the beginning of the season.
Adding to the list of Real Madrid players sidelined from the global tournament is winger Franco Mastantuono, who has been overlooked by Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, for his 26-man squad. Mastantuono initially made a promising debut for Real Madrid following his €45 million transfer last summer. However, his influence on the field gradually diminished, and he appeared to lack confidence as the season concluded. The 18-year-old, who has earned four caps for Argentina and was part of their squad in March, has now been omitted by Scaloni.
A total of seven La Liga players have been included in Scaloni’s squad. Atletico Madrid leads the way with six representatives: Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almada, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Nahuel Molina, and Juan Musso. The squad is notably captained by Lionel Messi. Real Betis’s Giovani Lo Celso has also secured a spot, alongside Nico Paz, who is anticipated 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.
