Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup continued a worrying pattern for the four-time winners of the match.
The warnings of early exits in 2010 and 2014 weren’t heeded as Italy missed out on qualification in 2018 and 2022.
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A 3rd consecutive absence is a significant embarrassment for a nation which nonetheless considers itself to be one of many big-hitters in worldwide soccer.
Whereas the nationwide crew will spend the summer time with their ft up, Italian soccer followers will nonetheless have loads of causes to observe the World Cup.
Quite a few Serie A gamers might be representing their respective international locations on the match, and a number of other of them have a real probability of lifting the trophy.
Learn on as we take a look at the Serie A stars to be careful for on the 2026 World Cup, earlier than figuring out a few of the noteworthy gamers who’ve missed out.
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Argentina bidding to go back-to-back this summer time
Reigning champions Argentina will head into the match as one of many bookmakers’ favourites to retain the celebrated trophy.
Punters already monitoring outright odds, futures markets and match betting traces can assessment the newest insights and markets at earlier than the competitors begins.
Inter Milan ahead Lautaro Martinez might be within the squad, whereas Como’s Nico Paz and Máximo Perrone are additionally prone to characteristic.
Martinez has been on the sidelines since struggling a calf damage in a Champions League tie in February, however is scheduled to return to motion quickly.
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The 28-year-old has bagged 36 targets and 11 assists in 75 appearances for Argentina and might be a key determine of their bid to win back-to-back World Cups.
Leao hoping to play a key position for Portugal
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts throughout the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
It might be truthful to say that Rafael Leao has by no means really lived as much as expectations at worldwide stage, however that might change this summer time.
The 26-year-old has tallied simply 5 targets and 7 assists in 43 appearances for Portugal, which is a poor return for a participant of his high quality.
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Leao has struggled together with his health in latest months, and lately frolicked in his homeland to hunt unbiased medical recommendation on his points.
If he can exhibit that he’s again to his finest over the ultimate few weeks of the season, the AC Milan winger might be a helpful asset for Portugal this summer time.
Pulisic aiming to glitter on house soil
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan seems to be on throughout the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
Christian Pulisic has not scored for the US in eight video games, a career-high worldwide drought that stretches again to late 2024.
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Regardless of his struggles, the Milan star might be a assured starter for the co-hosts this summer time underneath supervisor Mauricio Pochettino.
Current defeats in opposition to Belgium and Portugal have cranked up the strain on Pochettino, and he desperately wants Pulisic to rediscover his finest kind.
The US are scheduled to face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey within the group stage, and securing development to the knockout section shouldn’t be a foregone conclusion.
McTominay prepared to steer Scotland into battle
Scott McTominay has flourished since becoming a member of Napoli from Manchester United in 2024. He might be a key a part of the Scotland squad this summer time.
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His gorgeous purpose in that clinched a spot on the 2026 World Cup might be remembered as one of many biggest moments in Scotland’s historical past.
McTominay will have to be at his finest if Scotland are to have any probability of progressing out a bunch containing Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
His mix of defensive tenacity and ahead thrust gives the Tartan Arm’s midfield with a lot wanted stability. If he performs effectively, Scotland are inclined to play effectively.
Italy’s newest flop dents Serie A illustration on the World Cup
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gamers of Italy present their dejection of Italy throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Picture by Getty Photographs/Getty Photographs)
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by Bosnia & Herzegovina resulted in them changing into the primary earlier winners to overlook three consecutive World Cups.
The Serie A stars who characteristic within the Italian squad be part of a sizeable listing of top-flight gamers who’ve missed out on this summer time’s match. Probably the most notable names are as follows:
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)
Italy’s failure on this event can primarily be linked to . The Italian prime flight struggles to match the monetary energy of rival European leagues.
This has impacted their potential to put money into their youth programs, which has resulted in Italy struggling to compete on the world stage.