Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and 11 others: Milan tops Serie A for FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Nations League representatives
While the March international break puts a temporary halt to club play, Milan has once again become a household name throughout the world. A staggering 15 Rossoneri players have been called up for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Nations League matches, and CONCACAF Nations League finals, making it the most represented Serie A club during this window.
With a total squad market value of $445 million as per Transfermarkt, Milan’s international presence outshines even domestic rivals like Juventus (14 call-ups), Napoli, Atalanta, and Torino. While the Red and Blacks’ arch rivals, Inter boast the most valuable contingent of international players at $463 million, their overall representation is notably lower, ranking sixth in terms of total call-ups.
Among the standout names heading abroad for national duty are Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Santiago Gimenez, but they are far from the only ones. Milan’s squad is filled with players competing at the highest level, proving the club’s global reach despite its historically limited Italian core.
While many players embark on their international journeys, those left behind will continue training under manager Sergio Conceicao at Milanello. This break offers a crucial period of adjustment for the Portuguese boss, who took over the squad in January.
For some players, missing out on international duty could actually be a blessing. Youssouf Fofana, for instance, will use this time to work on his fitness and adapt to Conceicao’s system. Meanwhile, Theo Hernandez’s situation will be closely monitored, as the French full-back has been dealing with calf discomfort in recent weeks.
Milan’s global footprint: Record number of players called up
While Italy has traditionally been the backbone of Milan’s squads, this international break further underlines the club’s shift toward global talent. The Rossoneri’s squad now features key figures representing national teams across Europe, North America, and Africa.
A detailed breakdown of the call-ups includes stars competing in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, CONCACAF Nations League Finals, and World Cup qualifiers, with a few youth internationals also earning selections.
| Player | Team | Competition |
| Theo Hernandez | France | UEFA Nations League quarter-finals |
| Mike Maignan | France | UEFA Nations League quarter-finals |
| Rafael Leao | Portugal | UEFA Nations League quarter-finals |
| Joao Felix | Portugal | UEFA Nations League quarter-finals |
| Strahinja Pavlovic | Serbia | UEFA Nations League quarter-finals |
| Luka Jovic | Serbia | UEFA Nations League quarter-finals |
| Tijjani Reijnders | Netherlands | UEFA Nations League quarter-finals |
| Christian Pulisic | USMNT | CONCACAF Nations League Finals |
| Yunus Musah | USMNT | CONCACAF Nations League Finals |
| Santiago Gimenez | Mexico | CONCACAF Nations League Finals |
| Kyle Walker | England | 2026 World Cup qualifiers |
| Samuel Chukwueze | Nigeria | 2026 World Cup qualifiers |
| Davide Bartesaghi | Italy U19 | Elite League U19 |
| Lorenzo Torriani | Italy U19 | Elite League U19 |
| Francesco Camarda | Italy U20 | Elite League U20 |
Milan’s strength beyond Italy
Despite the historical criticism about the club’s lack of Italian representation, their international call-up numbers are a testament to the club’s recruitment strategy and global scouting success. While other Serie A giants like Juventus and Inter still rely heavily on home-grown talent, Milan’s squad is built with a broader, more international approach, resulting in high-quality depth across multiple national teams.