AC Milan will send its largest-ever contingent of players to a single World Cup after the club confirmed multiple squad members received call-ups for the 2026 tournament. The Rossoneri’s representation across the 48-team competition marks a significant milestone for a club that has historically contributed players to international football’s premier event.
The official announcement from Milan’s website listed 11 first-team players summoned by their respective national team coaches, representing an increase from the nine who traveled to Qatar in 2022. This growth reflects both the club’s successful recruitment strategy and the continued development of talent within their ranks.
Among the standout selections, Christian Pulisic leads the American contingent following a remarkable season in which he contributed 12 goals and eight assists across all competitions. The US international has established himself as a cornerstone of the national team project, and his participation in a World Cup hosted partly by his country of birth adds narrative significance to his involvement.
France’s representation remains substantial, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan expected to start between the posts and Theo Hernández pushing for a left-back berth after his 92% tackle success rate in Serie A this campaign. The pair have been instrumental in transforming Milan’s defensive solidity, contributing to 14 clean sheets between them throughout the season.
Italy’s legacy at Milan continues through Sandro Tonali and Davide Calabria, both named in Roberto Mancini’s final squad. Tonali, who has completed 89% of his passes this season, will look to guide the Azzurri’s midfield in what marks his first major international tournament appearance since joining from Brescia.
The Portuguese contingent features Rafael Leão, whose explosive pace has troubled defenders across Europe. Leão’s 15 direct contributions in Serie A underscore his importance to both club and country, while Álvaro Morata’s selection provides experience at striker after his move from Atlético Madrid.
England’s representation includes Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has rediscovered his best form following a difficult spell at Chelsea. The midfielder’s physical presence and box-to-box capabilities offer Gareth Southgate flexibility in his tactical approach.
Speaking at a press conference, Milan’s sporting director reflected on the significance of these selections: “These call-ups represent external recognition of the work being done at this club. We are proud to contribute players who will represent their nations on the world stage.”
The 2026 World Cup, expanding to 48 teams for the first time, will be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the first tournament held across three nations and represents a significant expansion from the traditional 32-team format.
Milan’s historical contribution to World Cups includes memorable campaigns, with the club having supplied players to every Italian World Cup squad since 1934. The legendary Gianni Rivera won the Ballon d’Or following his performances at the 1970 tournament, while Paolo Maldini’s eight World Cup appearances across four tournaments remain a testament to Milan’s role in developing world-class defenders.
The call-ups present manager Paulo Fonseca with immediate challenges as he prepares for domestic fixtures during the international break. Several key players will miss crucial Serie A encounters, forcing the Portuguese coach to rely on squad depth that has received limited minutes this season.
The club confirmed preparations would continue with remaining players, with attention turning toward integrating academy graduates into first-team training. Youngsters including a promising defender and a creative midfielder could benefit from the opportunity to train with senior players during the World Cup period.
Several Milan players will use the tournament to advance personal narratives. Yunus Musah, another American international, seeks to build on his breakthrough performances at the 2022 World Cup, where he became one of the youngest players to start a match for the United States at a major tournament.
The African contingent features players who will aim to guide their nations past the group stage for the first time, with Milan’s diverse squad providing representation across multiple confederations.
As the tournament approaches, Milan’s global fanbase will follow their players with particular interest, watching how the Rossoneri’s philosophy translates to international football’s greatest stage.