The Serie A has struggled a little to keep up with Europe’s other major leagues in terms of perception recently. A number of their teams have failed to make an impression in the Champions League while Inter’s foray to the final ended in a huge defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite that, the 2026 World Cup offers some of the league’s finest a chance to prove themselves on the world’s grandest stage. The champions Inter offer the best chance of success so let’s look at some of their talents who could impress for their nations.
Despite the Italian national team not qualifying for the tournament, there is enough international pedigree at the Nerazzurri to be well represented.
4 Players For Inter Fans to Watch at The World Cup
Lautaro Martinez
An iconic goalscorer of the current era, Lautaro Martinez often gets ignored in discussions over the best attacking talents in football. His 173 goals for his club beg to differ with that. On the international stage, he represents Argentina with equal capability, netting 36 times in 75 caps.
The 28-year-old is an important piece of the puzzle for his national team. He moulds himself around Lionel Messi to maximise his own output while allowing the world-class Inter Miami man to work his magic. Coming into this tournament as the holder, Martinez will be aiming to go back-to-back to add to his already bloated trophy cabinet.
Hakan Calhanoglu
Turkiye are one of the rising tides in inter national football, talents like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz are powering them forward with a current run of six international games without a defeat. At the heart of this is veteran Hakan Calhanoglu, the midfielder has been playing for top clubs since 2014 and boasts over 100 caps for his nation.
If the nation is to fulfill its potential in the 2026 World Cup, they’ll need the Inter man to play at his absolute best from the base of their midfield. If they can progress as a dark horse then it will be him who hauls them over the line. Sister sites is a good place to look if you believe the Turkish squad could pull off some upsets, they have the talent and a lack of hype that makes them prime for some smart bets.
Manuel Akanji
Switzerland have been offered a decent path to the knockout stage but if they’re to make it there then one very important piece of the puzzle will be Manuel Akanji. The former Manchester City man knows what it takes to win having won the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Serie A in his playing career.
Akanji’s top level experience is key to the success of his nation as he has made hundreds of appearances for team’s in Europe’s top five leagues and boasts 79 caps for his nation. His expertise, IQ, and ability will be the deciding factor for a Swiss national team who have hopes of going far thanks to their group stage draw providing very winnable fixtures.
Denzel Dumfries
Nothing can be more important for a national team than boasting a truly elite full-back in their squad. The Dutch national team can rely on Inter’s Denzel Dumfries at the right-back spot to deliver as his mix of athleticism and technical ability makes him excellent as a normal full-back or in more attacking settings if the game is on the line.
Dumfries has 33 goal contributions in his 71 caps and has made over 200 appearances for Inter in high level football. His unique profile is one that can be very useful on the international stage, particularly in the 4-3-3 lineup that Ronald Koeman has favoured in his tenure.
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