Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup in 2026, deepening a 12-year absence, but Serie A stars still headline the tournament: AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic shoulders host-country expectations for the USA, AS Roma’s Manu Koné arrives as a disciplined France midfielder, and veteran Luka Modrić seeks one last major-stage run with Croatia. Their performances will shape perceptions of Italian club football and influence club planning next season.
Italy absent but Serie A talent remains central to World Cup 2026
Italy’s failure to qualify is the dominant domestic story, but the league cannot be dismissed: several Serie A players will be pivotal on the world stage. That contrast — a national team in decline while club-level exports thrive — frames how fans and clubs will experience this tournament.
Players from Serie A to watch
Christian Pulisic — USA (AC Milan)
Christian Pulisic arrives with the weight of American expectation. As the most technically gifted option in a USA attack built around pace and intensity, Pulisic’s creativity and finishing will be tested against top international defences. His late-season dip at Milan raised questions, yet his recent contributions for the national team suggest a timely resurgence. How Pulisic performs will influence perception of AC Milan’s transfer and tactical decisions heading into the new season.
Manu Koné — France (AS Roma)
Manu Koné has quietly carved out a vital role for France and for AS Roma. The 25-year-old offers tenacity, positional discipline and the stamina to shield a more attack-minded midfield. For Didier Deschamps, Koné’s work-rate allows stars like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé the freedom to explode in transition. His World Cup minutes will raise Koné’s profile and validate Roma’s midfield recruitment model: dependable, modern, and tactically versatile.
Luka Modrić — Croatia (Real Madrid)
Luka Modrić, veteran maestro and the tournament’s elder statesman, arrives seeking one more deep run for Croatia. Even at 40, Modrić’s reading of the game, transitional passing and leadership remain decisive. His presence transforms Croatia’s midfield identity — from raw physicality to controlled orchestration. Expect Modrić to manage tempo and mentor emerging teammates; his impact will be measured less in goals and more in control and clutch moments.
Why these players matter beyond the tournament
Their World Cup form carries real club consequences. Strong performances can boost market value, influence transfer priorities in Serie A, and affect team tactics next season. For AC Milan and AS Roma, whose league campaigns were uneven, their internationals’ displays are immediate performance barometers. For the league, having high-profile performers on the world stage helps maintain Serie A’s global relevance despite Italy’s national absence.
Tactical storylines and what to watch
Watch how coaches manage minutes and protect players returning from long club seasons. Pulisic’s tendency to drift inside, Koné’s role as a double pivot partner, and Modrić’s tempo control will each shape their teams’ tournament arcs. Defensive set-ups that can neutralize Pulisic’s movement or outnumber Koné’s support will be decisive. Modrić’s influence will hinge on Croatia’s ability to shield him and exploit quick outlet passes.
Final take
Italy’s omission is a national setback, but the World Cup will still serve as a referendum on Serie A talent. Pulisic, Koné and Modrić represent three different narratives: a star under pressure at home, a rising midfield engine, and a timeless veteran.
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Their performances will tell us whether Italian clubs can translate individual excellence at international level into a stronger, more confident domestic season.
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