Top Serie A Stars Set to Shine at the 2026 World Cup

The Azzurri are staying home again. For an unprecedented third straight World Cup, Italy — a four-time champion with one of football's richest histories — won't be taking part in the tournament. No previous World Cup winner has ever missed three consecutive editions. This isn't a temporary setback; it's a systemic breakdown rooted in Serie A's struggle to compete financially with the Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga.

Despite Italy's absence, Serie A will maintain a strong footprint across Canada, the United States, and Mexico this summer. Multiple players from the Italian league arrive with legitimate championship aspirations, including at least one representing a nation near the top of the betting favourites list.

The Trio Leading the Charge: Martinez, Leao, and Pulisic

Lautaro Martinez stands as the marquee name. The Inter Milan forward has netted 36 times in 75 matches for Argentina — numbers that rival any striker in the international game today. A calf problem has kept him out since February's Champions League action, though he's projected to return before the season wraps up. If Martinez regains peak form, defending champions Argentina have an excellent chance of capturing consecutive titles.

Rafael Leao represents the unpredictable element. Despite his immense talent, the winger has managed just five goals and seven assists across 43 appearances for Portugal — underwhelming production for someone of his calibre. Recent fitness issues have been troubling enough that he sought outside medical consultation back in Portugal. The debate isn't about Leao's ability to impact matches at the World Cup level. It's whether he'll be healthy enough to demonstrate it. A fit Leao dramatically elevates Portugal's potential.

Christian Pulisic faces a different type of burden. The American arrives at his home tournament mired in an eight-match goalless stretch for the national team — the longest drought of his international career — while manager Mauricio Pochettino faces scrutiny following defeats to Belgium and Portugal. Pulisic will be in the starting eleven regardless. He's a fixture. But with co-hosts facing Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in group play, the Americans can't afford their top talent continuing to disappear when wearing the Stars and Stripes.

McTominay and Scotland's Underdog Hopes

Scott McTominay's resurgence after his 2024 transfer from Manchester United to Napoli ranks among Serie A's most compelling narratives this season. The midfielder delivered the goal that punched Scotland's World Cup ticket — a crucial strike in a 4-2 victory over Denmark that Scottish supporters will celebrate for generations.

His group stage assignment includes Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. Scotland progressing to the knockout rounds would constitute one of the tournament's biggest shocks, and their prospects depend almost entirely on McTominay's performances. When he delivers, Scotland looks competitive. When he struggles, they resemble the underdogs most expect them to be.

  • Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan / Argentina) — 36 goals for his country, recovering from injury, central to Argentina's repeat championship pursuit
  • Rafael Leao (AC Milan / Portugal) — health will determine everything; his quality has never been questioned
  • Christian Pulisic (AC Milan / USA) — locks into the co-hosts' lineup despite extended scoring slump
  • Scott McTominay (Napoli / Scotland) — the driving force behind Scotland's hopes for an upset run
  • Nico Paz & Máximo Perrone (Como / Argentina) — promising youngsters adding depth to a loaded Argentine roster

Italy's elimination means several Serie A stars wearing Azzurri jerseys will spend the summer as spectators. The financial disparity between Europe's top leagues created a youth development crisis, which ultimately produced this outcome. Three straight tournaments without Italy. The humiliation is well-deserved.