Scaloni's calls left to make: the duels for a World Cup place | OneFootball

The Argentina National Team faces its last friendlies before the final roster, and the coach must resolve several doubts in every area.

The national team begins its final week of preparation in the country before the 2026 World Cup with two friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia. These will be the last tests for Lionel Scaloni, who still has several decisions to make regarding the list of 26 called-up players.

In goal, the competition is for the third spot. Emiliano Martínez is the starter and Gerónimo Rulli is his backup, while Juan Musso and Walter Benítez are competing for the last place. Musso has the edge thanks to his recent performances, although the battle remains open.

Juan Musso, back with the Argentina National Team after great performances at Atlético de Madrid. (Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images)

Walter Benítez, currently at Crystal Palace. (Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)

In defense, there are two main areas of focus. As left center-back, Marcos Senesi and Facundo Medina are vying for a spot behind Nicolás Otamendi, with Lisandro Martínez absent due to injury. Senesi is currently ahead, but Medina's versatility keeps him in the running.

The left-back position is also highly competitive. Nicolás Tagliafico is the starter, while Marcos Acuña, Gabriel Rojas, and Valentín Barco are fighting for a spot on the roster.

Gabriel Rojas, in great form at Racing and called up to the Argentina National Team (Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images).

In midfield, there is another direct duel: Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni. Both are seeking their first World Cup, but only one would make the final squad. Their current form at club level could tip the scales.

Franco Mastantuono, currently at Real Madrid. (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Prestianni scored in Benfica’s win, the last game before his return to the Argentina National Team. 

Finally, in attack, the competition is for the third center-forward spot. With Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez as locks, José Manuel López and Joaquín Panichelli are competing for the last place.

Panichelli and Flaco López are battling for the third striker spot on the Argentina National Team.

The friendlies at La Bombonera and the training sessions in Ezeiza will be decisive. Scaloni enters the final stretch with several open decisions and little room before the roster deadline.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.