Serie A continues to shine on the global stage, proving its quality independently of the Italian national team’s performance. Even as Italy misses out on another World Cup, the league it competes in is attracting and developing top-tier football talent.
This is underscored by France’s recent selections for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
According to RMC Sport, French coach Didier Deschamps is set to include four Serie A players in his final squad, a move that highlights the league’s international appeal and the irony of Italy’s continued absence from the tournament.
Four Serie A Standouts Earn French Recognition
The reported squad features AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, widely regarded as one of Europe’s premier shot-stoppers over the last three seasons. His commanding presence, athleticism, and technical skill make him an undisputed first choice for France.
Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram has also secured his place following an impressive 2025-26 season, where he netted 16 goals in 34 Serie A appearances. This form builds on his strong showing at Euro 2024, where he scored three goals in six games, cementing his status as a reliable forward on the world stage.
Adrien Rabiot, who transferred to AC Milan from Juventus in the summer of 2025, is another inclusion. With 68 caps for France since 2016 and a notable contribution of three goals and six assists in 32 Serie A matches this season, Rabiot has revitalized his career at San Siro, showcasing his influence in midfield.
The most surprising yet justified inclusion is Manu Koné. The 24-year-old Roma midfielder, who joined the club from Borussia Mönchengladbach for €35 million in January 2026, has earned his first senior call-up for France. His performance with four goals and five assists in 18 Serie A appearances has emphatically validated Roma’s investment.
Serie A’s Resurgence: The Meaning Behind France’s Choices
The presence of four French internationals playing for Serie A clubs signifies more than just statistics; it speaks to the league’s renewed reputation. Serie A, once criticized for tactical stagnation, has re-established itself as a prime destination where elite players not only arrive but also excel.
Maignan and Thuram, already key members of France’s 2022 World Cup squad, continue to perform at a high level in Milan. This demonstrates Serie A’s capacity to nurture and sustain international-calibre talent.
The success of players like Scott McTominay, who has transformed into a dynamic midfielder at Napoli, further exemplifies this phenomenon – a league capable of drawing the best out of players who may have been overlooked elsewhere.
Notable exclusions also shed light on the league’s depth and competition. Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, Marcus’s younger brother, reportedly missed out despite his contributions. AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana and Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, hampered by injuries, also did not make the cut, indicating the high standard of competition for these spots.
The Painful Paradox: Italy Absent, Serie A Celebrated
This summer presents a difficult reality for Italian football: the national team will once again miss the World Cup. However, the league that hosts powerhouse clubs like Inter, Milan, Juventus, and Roma will be represented in North America through players wearing the French jersey, and likely those of several other nations.
The analysis of Italy’s potential World Cup qualifying XI reveals that the talent deficit does not lie within Serie A itself. Instead, it points to issues within the development pipeline for the Azzurri, including coaching structures, youth development programs, and the timely integration of young Italian talent.
France, on the other hand, faces no such challenges. Coach Deschamps will head to Los Angeles in June with a formidable squad, featuring Maignan in goal, Thuram leading the attack, Rabiot controlling the midfield, and Koné providing dynamism from the bench. All four have honed their skills in Serie A, a league that will be showcased on the world stage, even if Italy cannot participate.