Serie A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage
The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has come to an end and the competition now moves into the Round of 32. Of the 32 nations still in contention, many secured qualification on the final matchday, which once again featured several standout performers from the Serie A Enilive.
From decisive goals to new records, Italy's top flight continues to make its mark on the global stage.
Goals and saves: Serie A stars shape the group stage
The final round of group-stage fixtures brought success for several Serie A players. Rafik Belghali scored his first goal of the tournament in Algeria's thrilling 3-3 draw with Austria.
Lautaro Martínez opened his World Cup account by converting a penalty in Argentina's win over Jordan.
Serie A players played a key role in Croatia's qualification. Petar Sučić opened the scoring and Nikola Vlašić netted the decisive goal in the crucial 2-1 victory over Ghana.
Belgium's emphatic 5-1 win over New Zealand also featured major contributions from Serie A, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers all getting on the scoresheet.
Mike Maignan was another standout performer. In France's victory over Norway, which secured top spot in the group with a perfect record, the Milan goalkeeper saved a penalty from Strand Larsen, becoming the first Rossoneri goalkeeper ever to stop a penalty in a FIFA World Cup final tournament.
Serie A storylines in the Round of 32
The knockout stage is already underway. Canada opened the Round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over South Africa thanks to a late winner, making Jonathan David the first Serie A Enilive player to reach the Round of 16 at this World Cup.
The knockout bracket continues to showcase Serie A talent.
England vs DR Congo is the only Round of 32 fixture without a Serie A representative. Germany vs. Paraguay features Antonio Sanabria, who was relegated with Cremonese. Spain vs. Austria includes Venezia defender Michael Svoboda. Croatia vs. Portugal is the standout clash, with nine Serie A players involved. Norway vs. Ivory Coast follows closely behind with eight Serie A representatives in the squads.
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Players exiting the World Cup**
Several Serie A names have seen their World Cup journey come to an end. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız and Zeki Çelik were eliminated with Türkiye. Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson and Ché Adams exited with Scotland. Mathías Olivera bowed out with Uruguay. Farji's Iraq were also eliminated.
Among the coaches, two of the three Italian managers at the tournament have also departed. Vincenzo Montella was eliminated with Türkiye. Fabio Cannavaro was eliminated with Uzbekistan. Carlo Ancelotti ish however, still in contention with Brazil.
More than 60 Serie A players still dreaming of World Cup glory
Serie A Enilive remains strongly represented heading into the knockout rounds. A total of 61 of the 70 players belonging to Serie A clubs (including players from relegated teams and excluding the injured Ismaël Koné of Sassuolo) have progressed to the Round of 32. AC Milan lead all Serie A clubs with 10 players still competing in the tournament.
Below is the full list of players who qualified for the Round of 32, grouped by nationality.
Argentina (2)
- Lautaro Martínez
- Nico Paz
Australia (2)
- Volpato
- Circati
Austria (1)
- Svoboda
Algeria (2)
- Fares Ghedjemis
- Belghali
Belgium (5)
- Alexis Saelemaekers
- Koni De Winter
- Charles De Ketelaere
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Romelu Lukaku
Bosnia-Erzegovina (2)
- Muharemović
- Sead Kolašinac
Brazil (2)
- Éderson
- Gleison Bremer
Canada (1)
- Jonathan David
* Ismaël Koné had to pull out due to injury
Colombia (2)
- Jhon Lucumí
- Yerry Mina
Croatia (7)
- Marin Pongračić
- Luka Modrić
- Mario Pašalić
- Petar Sučić
- Nikola Moro
- Martin Baturina
- Nikola Vlašić
Ivory Coast (3)
- Odilon Kossounou
- Ange-Yoan Bonny
- Evan Ndicka
Ecuador (2)
- Pervis Estupiñán
- John Yeboah
France (4)
- Mike Maignan
- Adrien Rabiot
- Marcus Thuram
- Manu Koné
Ghana (1)
- Kamaldeen Sulemana
Japan (1)
- Suzuki
Morocco (1)
- El Aynaoui
Mexico (2)
- Santiago Giménez
- Johan Vásquez
The Netherlands (4)
- Teun Koopmeiners
- Marten de Roon
- Denzel Dumfries
- Donyell Malen
Norway (5)
- Torbjørn Heggem
- Kristian Thorstvedt
- Nikola Pedersen
- Leo Østigård
- Morten Thorsby
Paraguay (1)
- Antonio Sanabria
Portugal (2)
- Rafael Leão
- Francisco Conceição
Senegal (1)
- Diao
Sweden (2)
- Isak Hien
- Karlström
Switzerland (4)
- Remo Freuler
- Ardon Jashari
- Manuel Akanji
- Michel Aebischer
United States (2)
- Christian Pulisic
- Weston McKennie
