Serie A players to watch out for at the 2026 World Cup

Italy's consistent failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, missing out on the 2018, 2022, and now 2026 tournaments, marks a concerning pattern for the four-time champions. This third consecutive absence is a significant setback for a country that prides itself on its footballing heritage. Although the Italian national team won't be competing, fans of Italian football will still find much to anticipate at the World Cup. Many Serie A players are set to represent their home nations, with several having strong prospects of lifting the coveted trophy. This article highlights the Serie A stars to keep an eye on at the 2026 World Cup, alongside a list of prominent players who, unfortunately, won't be participating.

Argentina Bidding to Go Back-to-Back This Summer

Reigning champions Argentina are among the top favorites to defend their title. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is expected to be a crucial part of their squad, alongside Como's Nico Paz and Máximo Perrone. Martinez, recovering from a calf injury sustained in February, is set to return to play soon. With 36 goals and 11 assists in 75 international appearances, the 28-year-old will be instrumental in Argentina's quest for consecutive World Cup victories.

Leao Hoping to Play a Key Role for Portugal

Rafael Leao has yet to fully translate his club form to the international stage, but the upcoming tournament presents an opportunity for change. The 26-year-old has a modest record of five goals and seven assists in 43 appearances for Portugal. After recent fitness concerns and seeking medical advice in his home country, the AC Milan winger's potential contribution to Portugal hinges on him regaining peak form in the final weeks of the season.

Pulisic Aiming to Sparkle on Home Soil

Christian Pulisic faces his longest international scoring drought for the United States, extending for eight games since late 2024. Despite this, the AC Milan forward is guaranteed a starting spot for the co-host nation under manager Mauricio Pochettino. With recent losses to Belgium and Portugal increasing pressure on Pochettino, Pulisic's return to form is crucial. The USA will compete against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in the group stage, making advancement to the knockout rounds a challenging prospect.

McTominay Ready to Lead Scotland into Battle

Scott McTominay has thrived since his move to Napoli from Manchester United in 2024 and is set to be a vital component of Scotland's squad. His memorable goal in the 4-2 victory over Denmark secured their 2026 World Cup spot, a historic moment for Scottish football. For Scotland to navigate a tough group alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, McTominay's peak performance will be essential. His combination of defensive strength and offensive drive offers critical balance to the midfield; his success often mirrors the team's overall performance.

Italy’s Latest Flop Dents Serie A Representation at the World Cup

Italy's heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina means they are the first former champions to miss three consecutive World Cups. Consequently, many talented Serie A players who are part of the Italian national squad will not participate this summer. Here is a list of other notable Serie A players who will miss the tournament:

• Nicola Zalewski (Poland, Atalanta)
• Piotr Zielinski (Poland, Inter)
• Gianluca Mancini (Italy, Roma)
• Alessandro Bastoni (Italy, Inter)
• Nicolo Barella (Italy, Inter)
• Federico Dimarco (Italy, Inter)
• Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark, Napoli)
• Adam Marusic (Montenegro, Lazio)
• Nikola Krstovic (Montenegro, Atalanta)
• Gustav Isaksen (Denmark, Lazio)
• Stanislav Lobotka (Slovakia, Napoli)
• Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon, Napoli)
• Maduka Okoye (Nigeria, Udinese)
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Nigeria, Lazio)
• Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Serbia, Napoli)
• Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia, Juventus)
• Lazar Samardzic (Serbia, Atalanta)
• Strahinja Pavlovic (Serbia, Milan)
• Edon Zhegrova (Kosovo, Juventus)

This repeated failure is partly attributed to the financial challenges within Serie A, which struggles to compete with wealthier European leagues. This financial disparity reportedly affects youth development and, subsequently, Italy's competitiveness on the global stage.