Why Beltrán remains in the Argentine National Team and postponed his return to River

Santiago Beltrán, the young goalkeeper from River, continues to train with the Argentine National Team in the United States, being the only one of the players called up for the friendlies who is not included in the final list of 26 for the 2026 World Cup.

The 21-year-old youth player remains with the squad led by Lionel Scaloni in Kansas City, although he already has a confirmed return date to the Millonario.

Beltrán will leave the Albiceleste on Saturday, two days before the match against Austria for the second round of the World Cup. With his departure, the return of all the players who had been training as sparrings or alternatives will be completed.

Those who have already returned

In recent hours, several youth players had already left the training camp. Among them, Agustín Giay, who was a starter in the friendlies against Honduras and Iceland and now must join Palmeiras. Also Ignacio Ovando, one of those who did not get minutes in the light blue and white.

Others like Simón Escobar, Joaquín Freitas, and Tomás Aranda left the United States the night before. Nicolás Capaldo had been the first to leave days earlier.

Beltrán did get minutes with the senior team: he came on at the end of the match against the Hondurans, replacing Juan Musso. That match marked the debuts of several kids from the squad.

For several days, there was speculation that the River goalkeeper could stay until the end of the tournament, but the coaching staff decided to release him at this time.

The reason for the extra goalkeeper

The main reason Beltrán stayed a few more days has to do with FIFA rules. The organization allows only one change in the list due to the injury of a goalkeeper. Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez recovered without complications from the fracture in the ring finger of his right hand, so it was no longer necessary to keep the substitute.

This decision allows Beltrán to join River's preseason as soon as possible. The Millonario is waiting for him to start preparations for the new season.