This competition may miss a huge talent as the 2026 World Cup is missing Trent Alexander-Arnold from England. When a player changes from one club to another the expectation is to take a step forward. While going from Liverpool to Real Madrid could be seen as such, the 2026 World Cup omission of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s by England may be the other way. Alexander-Arnold is missing the competition because Thomas Tuchel did not call him up. The manager surprised many when he left the right back out of the squad, opting for more defensive players in that position. That stylistic gap became even more evident after Tuchel had to replace the injured full-back Tino Livramento after a training-ground issue. His choice was Trevoh Chalobah, a natural centre-back, which makes it clear that Alexander-Arnold does not fit his system. Alexander-Arnold’s season with Real Madrid The major move that took Alexander-Arnold from the club where he spent his entire career to Real Madrid came with different conditions, including a 10-million-euro fee in June, when his new club decided to bring him in early for the Club World Cup before his contract expired. Chalobah was called up by Tuchel to replace Livramento (George Wood/Getty Images) In the end, it was a chaotic spell for the right back, who can also play in midfield thanks to his ability to create chances, with injuries affecting him throughout his first year. Alexander-Arnold’s numbers at Real Madrid matched the disappointing season the club had as they failed to win a trophy. The right back played 1,800 minutes in 30 matches across La Liga and the Champions League, without scoring a goal. The right backs Tuchel’s decision not to call up Alexander-Arnold, even after Livramento’s injury, suggests he does not see him as a strong fit for his system. Livramento was already ahead in the pecking order, with Reece James established as the starter for the manager. Even if he were unavailable, Djed Spence can also play at right back. Other players with experience in that role, while mainly centre-backs, include the recently called Chalobah, who will not be ready for the match against Croatia, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and John Stones.
One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to begin. Starting on Thursday, the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The World Cup begins with the group stage, as the 48 teams in the field battle it out to secure one of the 32 spots in […]
Franco Mastantuono emerged as one of the best prospects in the world, signing for Real Madrid. Although he seemed to be a regular for Argentina, he has not been included by head coach Lionel Scaloni, with no apparent injuries. After winning the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni decided to begin a reconstruction of Argentina‘s roster. While Lionel Messi and other players remain central figures, Ángel Di María and other players have left the sporting project. Because of this, Franco Mastantuono seemed to earn a place in the team, as he signed for Real Madrid and established as a promising talent. However, the 18-year-old star has been left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup. Franco Mastantuono has been left out of Argentina’s roster for the 2026 World Cup due to tactical decisions. After not having playing time at Real Madrid, Lionel Scaloni has decided to bet other players. Even though he has played four games, he has never managed to impose as a starter, relegating him to a peripheral role. By prioritizing players with significant playing time, head coach has left him aside. Nico Paz emerges as the key player for Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Unlike Mastantuono, the 21-year-old star has been a crucial player for Como 1907 in Serie A. Not only does he stand out creatively, but he also provides a great deal of collective work, which is crucial for Scaloni. In addition, Giuliano Simeone has managed to become a key player on the right wing, leaving Franco without a place in the rotation. Franco Mastantuono faces early struggles at Real Madrid After arriving for €45M from River Plate, Xabi Alonso decided to strongly bet on Franco Mastantuono. Despite the presence of Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz, he earned a spot in the rotation, putting in good minutes. However, he suffered pubalgia that kept him out for several matches and removed him from the team. After the head coach’s departure, the 18-year-old star dropped out of the rotation under Álvaro Arbeloa, playing very few minutes. Franco Mastantuono of Argentina is challenged by Joel Ordoñez of Ecuador. With José Mourinho arriving as the new head coach, Mastantuono seems to have very little space in the rotation. Not only do Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham get ahead of him in the pecking order, but so does Brahim Díaz. Therefore, his future appears to be decided in pre-season. In case he fails to impress, he would be sent on loan, as he aims to continue developing professionally. Mastantuono may emerge as a key figure in Argentina’s future Even though Franco Mastantuono was left out of the 2026 World Cup, he remains one of the most promising players in Argentina. At just 18 years old, he still has serious chances of becoming part of the national team. With Lionel Messi close to retirement, he could emerge as one of the best solutions, as he has a similar profile, playing on the wing with a strong creative emphasis. With the 2028 Copa América just a few years away, Franco could be a key part of Argentina’s attack. However, he would need to go out on loan to a team where he can be a starter. In addition, he would need to gain more consistency in terms of fitness and more offensive contribution, as he has not managed to stand out in Argentina or at Real Madrid in this regard.
