Serie A's Biggest Names Set for 2026 World Cup Despite Italy's Historic No-Show
Italy will be absent once again. For an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup, one of football's most storied nations finds itself on the sidelines — marking the first time a former champion has missed three tournaments in a row. This isn't just bad luck. It represents a fundamental breakdown, with Serie A's financial struggles against the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga playing a central role.
Despite this embarrassment, the Italian league will maintain a significant footprint across North America this summer. Multiple Serie A talents are arriving with legitimate championship aspirations, including at least one player whose team sits among the favourites in the betting markets.
The Star Trio: Martinez, Leao, and Pulisic
Lautaro Martinez leads the pack. The Inter Milan striker boasts an impressive record of 36 goals across 75 appearances for Argentina — numbers that rival any striker currently competing internationally. A calf problem sustained during February's Champions League action has kept him out, though he's projected to return before the campaign concludes. Should Martinez regain peak condition, defending champions Argentina's prospects for consecutive titles become increasingly compelling.
Rafael Leao represents the unpredictable element. Despite his undeniable skill, the AC Milan winger has managed just five goals and seven assists in 43 matches for Portugal — underwhelming production for someone of his calibre. Recent fitness worries have complicated matters further, prompting him to seek additional medical consultation back in Portugal. Nobody doubts Leao's capacity to dismantle defences on the World Cup stage. The real question is whether he'll be physically ready to demonstrate it. A healthy Leao fundamentally alters Portugal's tournament potential.
Christian Pulisic shoulders a unique burden. The American star enters a home World Cup enduring an eight-match goalless streak for the United States — his longest-ever drought at international level — while manager Mauricio Pochettino faces scrutiny following defeats to Belgium and Portugal. Pulisic's place in the starting eleven isn't in question. It never is. However, co-hosts facing Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in the opening round cannot afford their premier talent continuing to disappear while wearing the national jersey.
McTominay Leading Scotland's Underdog Bid
Scott McTominay's resurgence following his 2024 transfer from Manchester United to Napoli ranks among Serie A's most compelling narratives. The midfielder netted the crucial goal that secured Scotland's World Cup qualification — a strike in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark that Edinburgh supporters will celebrate for generations.
His assignment now includes Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti in the group phase. Scotland progressing from this bracket would constitute one of the tournament's genuine shocks, and their odds depend almost exclusively on McTominay's contributions. When he delivers peak performances, they're dangerous. When he struggles, they resemble the underdog status their ranking suggests.
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan / Argentina) — 36 goals for his country, managing injury concerns while pursuing consecutive championships
- Rafael Leao (AC Milan / Portugal) — physical readiness will determine everything; ability has never been questioned
- Christian Pulisic (AC Milan / USA) — locks down a starting position for the co-hosts despite troubling scoring drought
- Scott McTominay (Napoli / Scotland) — the driving force behind a Scottish squad needing perfect execution
- Nico Paz & Máximo Perrone (Como / Argentina) — emerging talents providing depth to an experienced roster
Italy's exclusion means a significant portion of Serie A's elite — the Azzurri contingent — stays home this summer. The league's financial disadvantages created youth development gaps, which ultimately produced this outcome. Three consecutive tournaments missed. The humiliation is thoroughly deserved.