Excluded by Lionel Scaloni: The six champions who won with Argentina in Qatar and are not being considered for the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina is preparing to begin its defense of the title won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will be part of Group C in the 2026 North American World Cup, alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Therefore, unless there is a major upset, Argentina should be among the teams that advance to the round of 16. Just a month before the start of the tournament, the coaches have compiled a preliminary list of players who will be competing. However, six players who were successful in the East are currently excluded from the squad. The preliminary list released by the Argentine Football Association includes 55 names, providing clues about the 26 players who will ultimately receive the final call to compete. Among the players who won the previous tournament, Franco Armani, Alejandro Gómez, Ángel Correa, and Paulo Dybala are absent, as they have not been able to maintain a level of performance suitable for the challenges of the tournament. There is also another absence due to injury: Juan Foyth, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg in January. Then there's the case of Ángel Di María. The former forward played his last match with the national team in mid-2024, after winning the Copa América in the United States. "I can tell you the same thing I've been telling you. It was written, it was going to be this way," he said after the match, marking the end of his career as a national team player. "I told the guys last night, at dinner. I dreamed it, that's why I said it was the last Copa América and that it would end here," he added in the official broadcast. He continued to share details of his premonition about the match: "I dreamed that we would reach the final, I dreamed that we would win it, that I would retire this way. I don't know what else to tell you, honestly. I have so many beautiful feelings in my body. As I told the guys last night, I am eternally grateful to this generation. It gave me everything, it helped me achieve what I sought so much. Today I'm leaving this way, what could be better than that?" Other notable absences: In recent weeks, players from other countries have also been ruled out due to physical problems. In the case of Rodrygo, the Brazilian suffered a torn cruciate ligament in March, in a match for Real Madrid against Getafe. In France, Ekitike was also excluded due to an Achilles tendon injury. Other European teams of concern include England and the Netherlands. The English team will be without Jack Grealish, who suffered a stress fracture in his left foot. Meanwhile, the Dutch team is uncertain about the recovery of Jurrien Timber, a defender for Arsenal, who has been sidelined by an injury. In addition, they have another setback with Xavi Simons, who suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee. In Uruguay, Joaquín Piquerez is also facing a complex situation after suffering a ligament tear in his right ankle, which will require surgery. Marcelo Bielsa is concerned about Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who underwent surgery after fracturing his right clavicle. The recovery timelines are unclear. It should be noted that the final list must be submitted by each national team by May 30. NEWSLETTER: Deportivo, Monday, 8:45 AM. A special selection with coverage and analysis of the most important sporting events of the weekend, by the sports team of La Tercera. By subscribing, you are accepting the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policies of La Tercera.