A Record-Breaking World Cup Contingent
AC Milan will have ten players representing the club at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, more than any other Serie A side. While this is a source of pride for the Rossoneri, it also presents a significant challenge for the club’s hierarchy, as several of those players face uncertain futures when they return to Milanello.
The ten Milan players called up for World Cup duty span multiple national teams, including Italy, France, Portugal, the United States, and Sweden. Their participation in the tournament means they will miss the entirety of Milan’s pre-season preparations, leaving head coach Antonio Conte with a complex planning puzzle for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Three Likely Departures
Among the ten players heading to the World Cup, three are almost certain to leave Milan regardless of what happens at the tournament. The Gazzetta dello Sport report suggests that these players have already attracted significant interest from other European clubs, and their World Cup performances could accelerate ongoing negotiations.
Two other players remain in doubt, with their futures dependent on transfer market developments during the summer window. Milan’s management has indicated they will listen to offers for certain members of the squad, as the club looks to balance its books and reinvest in targeted areas identified by the coaching staff.
USA Trio Adds Intrigue
Milan’s American contingent, including full-back Sergino Dest and midfielder Yunus Musah, will have home advantage at the tournament, with the United States serving as one of the three host nations. Their performances on home soil could significantly increase their market value, potentially leading to approaches from Premier League clubs who have tracked both players in recent windows.
Christian Pulisic, Milan’s star American winger, is also expected to play a key role for the USMNT. Despite an impressive debut season at San Siro, speculation continues to link Pulisic with a return to the Premier League, with Chelsea holding a buyback clause that adds complexity to any potential move.
The Core That Remains
Despite the uncertainty surrounding several players, Milan’s core squad is expected to remain intact. Key figures such as Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, and Mike Maignan are all committed to the project at San Siro, though their World Cup participation will delay their integration into the new season’s preparations.
The club’s transfer strategy will be heavily influenced by which players leave and which stay. Milan are reportedly in the market for a new striker and a central defender, with funds from potential sales helping to finance these acquisitions. The World Cup will serve as both a showcase and a distraction as the Rossoneri navigate a pivotal summer transfer window.
