Milan News: Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Joao Felix, and Rafael Leao Lead Serie A Call-Ups for World Cup Qualifiers

The March international break may halt club competition, but Milan continues to shine on the global stage. An impressive 15 Rossoneri players have received call-ups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Nations League matches, and CONCACAF Nations League finals, making it the most represented club in Serie A during this international window.

With a total squad market value of $445 million according to Transfermarkt, Milan leads even domestic competitors like Juventus (14 call-ups), Napoli, Atalanta, and Torino. Although their arch-rivals, Inter, possess the most valuable group of international players at $463 million, their overall representation ranks lower, standing sixth in total call-ups.

Among the prominent players heading out for national duties are Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Santiago Gimenez, showcasing the depth of talent within Milan’s roster, which reflects the club’s global appeal despite its historically limited Italian core.

As some players embark on their international journeys, those remaining will continue training under manager Sergio Conceicao at Milanello. This break offers a crucial adjustment period for the Portuguese manager, who joined the club in January.

For some players, missing international duty may prove beneficial. Youssouf Fofana, for example, will focus on his fitness and adapting to Conceicao’s system. Meanwhile, Theo Hernandez’s situation is under close observation, as the French full-back has been dealing with calf discomfort recently.

Milan’s global footprint: Record number of players called up

While Italy has traditionally formed the backbone of Milan’s squads, this international break highlights the club’s shift towards global talent. The Rossoneri’s roster now features key players representing national teams across Europe, North America, and Africa.

A detailed breakdown of the call-ups includes players competing in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, CONCACAF Nations League Finals, and World Cup qualifiers, alongside a few youth internationals also making the cut.

Milan’s strength beyond Italy

Despite historical critiques regarding the club’s lack of Italian representation, their international call-up figures showcase the club’s recruitment strategy and global scouting success. While other Serie A giants like Juventus and Inter continue to rely on home-grown players, Milan’s squad is crafted with a broader, more international perspective, resulting in high-quality depth across numerous national teams.