Oso Confirms Argentina Decision: ‘I’ve Always Known I Wanted to Play for Argentina’
Francisco Torres, the 22-year-old Sevilla winger known as Oso, has made his international allegiance official, declaring in an exclusive interview that he will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, and beyond. The decision—announced just weeks after Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni publicly acknowledged tracking his progress—caps a months-long period of speculation about the dual-eligible player’s future.
From Alicante to Argentina: The Roots Behind Oso’s Decision
Oso’s choice to wear the sky-blue of Argentina over Spain’s red wasn’t made lightly. In a conversation with DSport Radio, the Sevilla forward—born in Alicante but raised with Argentine heritage—spoke openly about the emotional weight of his decision.
“I’ve always known I wanted to play for Argentina. My roots are there, my family is there. When Scaloni mentioned me, it was like a dream coming true.”
Oso’s father, also named Francisco Torres, emigrated from Argentina to Spain in the 1980s, where he met and married Oso’s mother. The younger Torres spent his early years in Alicante before the family returned to Argentina when he was a child, only to settle permanently in Spain when Oso was 10. Despite his Spanish upbringing, his connection to Argentina never faded.
Key Context: Oso holds dual citizenship, having qualified for both Spain and Argentina through his parents’ heritage. Spain called him up to their senior squad in March 2024 for Euro 2024 qualifiers, but he declined to make his debut, citing personal reasons at the time.
Why This Matters Now
- Argentina’s World Cup 2026 Preparation: With Scaloni’s squad already stacked with talent, Oso’s inclusion would add versatility, particularly on the left flank where Argentina has historically struggled.
- Spain’s Squad Depth: The decision removes a young, dynamic option from Spain’s World Cup plans, forcing Luis de la Fuente to rely on established players like Rodri or Pedri in wider roles.
- Sevilla’s Future: Oso’s contract with Sevilla expires in June 2025, making this decision critical for his transfer trajectory—particularly his long-stated ambition to join River Plate.
Scaloni’s Public Endorsement: A Turning Point
Oso’s declaration comes just weeks after Lionel Scaloni publicly confirmed Argentina’s interest in the Sevilla player. In a post-match press conference following Argentina’s friendly against Mexico on May 27, Scaloni revealed:
“We’ve watched Oso play several times this season. He’s very good, and he’s someone we’re following closely. He’s definitely on our radar as a potential addition to the squad.”
Scaloni’s words carried significant weight, particularly given Argentina’s recent history of poaching talent from European clubs. The manager’s direct acknowledgment of Oso’s selectionability appeared to accelerate the young player’s decision-making process.
Verification Note: While Scaloni’s comments were reported by multiple outlets including Marca and TYC Sports, no official squad list has been published confirming Oso’s inclusion. Argentina’s next friendly against Uruguay on June 17 may provide further clarity.
River Plate: The Ultimate Dream
Beyond international football, Oso revealed his ambition to join River Plate, the Buenos Aires giant that holds a special place in his heart. His father’s passion for the club—manifested in early morning wake-up calls to watch matches from Europe—has clearly left a lasting impression.
“My dream is to play for River Plate and in the Monumental. My father used to wake us up at 4 a.m. To watch matches from Europe. That’s how much he loves the club.”
River Plate’s interest in Oso has been speculated about for months, with the club’s sporting director, Enrique Campana, publicly praising the Sevilla winger’s qualities. However, no official transfer approach has been confirmed. With Oso’s Sevilla contract expiring in June 2025, the window for a move to Argentina is narrow but not impossible.
Transfer Timeline:
- June 2024: Oso makes Argentina decision public
- June 2025: Sevilla contract expires (release clause: €40 million)
- Summer 2025: Likely transfer window for move to River Plate
- 2026: World Cup year—Oso would need to be registered with River Plate by January 2026 to participate
Versatility That Defines Oso’s Game
Oso’s decision isn’t just about flags—it’s about football. The 22-year-old has established himself as one of Sevilla’s most exciting young talents, capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even on the left flank in a three-at-the-back system. His adaptability has made him a key figure in Sevilla’s attacking line under manager Jorge Sampaoli.
Oso’s 2023-24 Season Stats (La Liga)
| Appearances | 34 |
|---|---|
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Minutes Played | 2,897 |
| Average Rating (SofaScore) | 7.2/10 |
Source: SofaScore and Transfermarkt
His ability to cut inside from the left flank, combined with his direct dribbling and crossing ability, has made him a nightmare for full-backs across Europe. Sevilla’s tactical flexibility—often deploying a 3-4-3 formation—has allowed Oso to thrive in multiple roles.
What This Means for the World Cup
Oso’s decision arrives at a critical juncture for both Argentina and Spain as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Here’s how his choice impacts each nation:
Argentina’s Gains
- Left-Flank Reinforcement: Argentina has historically struggled with left-sided players capable of both attacking and defensive contributions. Oso’s versatility would address this.
- Youth Injection: With players like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández already in the squad, Oso would add another young, dynamic option.
- Tactical Flexibility: Scaloni’s preference for a 4-3-3 formation could benefit from Oso’s ability to play as a winger or in a more advanced midfield role.
Spain’s Challenges
- Squad Depth: Spain’s World Cup squad will need to rely on established players like Rodri, Pedri, and Gavi in wider roles.
- Youth Pipeline: The loss of a young, dual-eligible player removes a potential long-term option from Spain’s development plans.
- Tactical Adjustments: Luis de la Fuente may need to reconsider his preferred formations if Oso’s creative output is missed on the left flank.
World Cup Context: Both Argentina and Spain are considered top contenders for the 2026 tournament, which will feature 48 teams across three host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico). Argentina’s last World Cup title came in 2022, while Spain’s best finish was third place in 2010. Oso’s inclusion could be the difference-maker for Argentina in their quest for back-to-back titles.
The Human Story: Gratitude and Ambition
Despite his clear choice for Argentina, Oso expressed profound gratitude toward Spain, where he built his career and found success. “I feel Argentine as always, but I’m also grateful to Spain because it’s given me everything,” he told DSport Radio.
When asked about the World Cup, Oso struck a balanced tone, acknowledging both nations’ strengths:
“I hope Argentina achieves a great result at the World Cup. But Spain has great players, and they’re another of the favorites.”
This diplomatic approach reflects Oso’s mature perspective, even as he navigates one of the most significant decisions of his young career. His ability to balance professional ambition with sportsmanship will be crucial as he prepares to represent Argentina on the world stage.
What’s Next for Oso?
With his international future now clear, Oso faces two immediate challenges:
- Sevilla’s 2024-25 Season: The Andalusian club will look to Oso to maintain his form as they push for Champions League qualification. His leadership in the attacking line will be critical.
- Argentina’s 2025 Friendlies: Oso is expected to make his debut for Argentina in the second half of 2024, with potential call-ups for friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.
- Transfer Negotiations: The summer of 2025 will be pivotal. If River Plate makes a serious bid, Sevilla may look to capitalize on Oso’s release clause, which could reach €40 million depending on add-ons.
Next Confirmed Checkpoint: Argentina’s friendly against Uruguay on June 17, 2024 (10:00 UTC / 7:00 AM ET) at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. This match could provide further insight into Scaloni’s short-term plans for Oso.
What do you think? Will Oso’s decision give Argentina the edge in the 2026 World Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below.
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