Scaloni explains why Paulo Dybala was left off Argentina's 2026 World Cup preliminary roster

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly explained his decision to exclude Paulo Dybala from the 55-man preliminary roster for the 2026 World Cup, telling DSports that the choice reflects squad evolution, younger players staking claims and the coaching staff's view of the national team's future. The omission — announced on May 11 — is notable given Dybala's strong finish to the season with AS Roma and his role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad.

Why it matters

This decision matters because Dybala remains one of Argentina's most recognisable attackers and his omission signals a clear selection priority from Scaloni: present form and long-term squad planning can outweigh past contributions. With Argentina defending their World Cup title in 2026, choices over which experienced winners to retain — and which to leave behind — will shape the team's balance of experience, youth and tactical options.

Scaloni's explanation: form, opportunity and the future

Speaking after the release of the extended roster, Scaloni praised Dybala's quality and acknowledged his revival with AS Roma, including helping the club reach the Champions League. Yet the coach said that other players have consolidated themselves in the positions Dybala occupies and that younger talents have emerged, giving the staff reason to prioritise those options when assembling the squad in the present and with an eye to the future.

Context: Dybala's recent club and international situation

According to the source, Dybala's last national team involvement came in September 2024, when he logged 16 minutes across World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia. Since then he has missed Argentina international windows while players such as Nico Paz and Emiliano Buendia have established themselves in the squad. At club level, Dybala faced a disrupted 2025–26 season as he adapted to Gian Piero Gasperini's system at AS Roma and underwent knee surgery that sidelined him for a significant period, though he contributed assists late in the campaign as Roma secured Champions League qualification.

• Scaloni released a 55-man preliminary list for the 2026 World Cup on May 11.
• Paulo Dybala was not included in that extended roster despite a late-season impact for AS Roma.
• Scaloni told DSports the omission reflects squad evolution, younger players and players consolidated in Dybala's positions.
• Dybala's last Argentina call-up was in September 2024, when he played 16 minutes across two qualifiers.
• Other 2022 World Cup winners omitted from the 55-man list include Franco Armani, Juan Foyth, Alejandro Gomez, Angel Correa and Angel Di María (the source notes Armani and Di María have retired and Foyth was ruled out by ACL injury).

What this means for Argentina's selection and Dybala

Scaloni's public explanation frames the omission as a considered tactical and squad-building decision rather than a punitive measure. For Argentina, it underlines a shift toward integrating players who have been regularly available and performing in recent international windows. For Dybala, omission from the 55-man list means he is not currently in the immediate pool of contenders for a place in the final 26 — although the coach stressed respect for his quality and did not close the door on future involvement.

What happens next

Scaloni and his staff will now reduce the extended roster to the final 26 for the tournament in North America. The coach's comments suggest that ongoing international availability and regular involvement in national team windows will be important selection criteria. For journalists and supporters seeking confirmation about potential recalls or further clarifications from the AFA or Scaloni, follow-up statements or squad updates will be required.