Paulo Dybala has been called up for Argentina's upcoming matches in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, as announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

"The footballer @PauDybala from @OfficialASRoma joins Lionel #Scaloni's squad for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers," read the official message posted on Argentina's national team's X account this Monday.

The player from Laguna Larga, Córdoba, who recently confirmed his stay with the Italian club despite an offer from Saudi Arabia's Al Qadsiah, will now join Scaloni's list after being the notable absence from the Copa América in the United States, which Argentina won against Colombia (1-0).

"I put a lot on the table: my family, my wife, the city, the team, and the possibility of returning to the Argentine national team. Although there's much criticism due to my injuries, I feel good and am committed to working hard every day," Dybala stated this weekend.

Roma lost 1-2 to Empoli in the second round of the Italian Serie A, but the player was cheered by his fans before the match after it was confirmed that he would stay with the Roman club.

Dybala, a World Cup champion in Qatar and winner of the 2022 Finalissima, was initially not included in the squad for the double date of the qualifiers for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where Argentina will face Chile and Colombia on September 5 and 10, respectively. Scaloni had announced this list on August 19.

The notable absentee from this squad was Lionel Messi, who is still recovering from a right ankle sprain suffered in the Copa América final played on July 14.