Manchester United prospect Diego Leon has missed out on a call to the latest Paraguay international squad.
Diego Leon made his Paraguay international debut in October 2025, after being called up to the national team for the first time.
Leon came off the bench in a friendly with South Korea to make his debut at just 18.
But there is no place for the defender in Paraguay’s latest international squad as they ramp up preparations for the World Cup.
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Paraguay’s squad: Diego Leon omission
Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro has not included Diego Leon in their forthcoming friendlies against Greece and Morocco.
26 players were selected in the official announcement, including Portsmouth’s new signing, 24-year-old Gustavo Caballero.
Leon, 18, will have to wait for another taste of first team action for his country.
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Paraguay qualified for the World Cup after finishing in sixth place in the Conmebol group.
They have been drawn in Group D with USA, Australia, and one of the qualifiers from the upcoming UEFA playoffs.
It was always a long shot for Leon to make the Paraguay squad for the tournament, and his omission from this latest squad for their March friendlies indicates that his selection this summer is unlikely.
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Diego Leon learning with United’s under-21s
Diego Leon is currently playing for Manchester United’s under-21s, and is not expected to make a first team appearance between now and the end of the season.
While going to the World Cup on the Paraguay bench would have been a valuable experience for him, it would have been a big ask for him to play a meaningful role.
Paraguay are better off keeping the spot for one of the players who has helped them to qualify.
Leon can focus on his Manchester United journey. If he succeeds at Old Trafford, then he will be a certainty for World Cup 2030.
Not going to World Cup 2026 can work in Leon’s favour, as it frees him up to get involved in Manchester United’s pre-season plans right away.
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