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WILL NICOLO BARELLA PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Nicolò Barella is one of the most influential midfielders on the Italian national team. But will he make it to the 2026 World Cup? In this article, we review his recent career, the current state of the Italian national team, and what is expected of this midfield engine. With facts, statistics, and interesting tidbits, we answer the big question: Will we see Barella at the next World Cup?

Current Status of Nicolò Barella


Nicolò Barella, born in Cagliari in 1997, has been the heart of Inter Milan's and the Italian national team's midfield for the past few years. His tireless style, his ability to press, distribute the ball, and get into the box have made him an indispensable player for the Azzurri.


In the 2024-2025 season, Barella has maintained a high level of performance with Inter, playing more than 40 matches in all competitions, with an average performance rating of 7.3 per game (according to WhoScored). Without serious injuries, he arrives in good form for the end of the qualifying cycle for the 2026 World Cup. A silent leader. Barella isn't the captain, but he is a leader on the pitch. He's one of those players who never disappears, who shows up when the pressure is on. After Euro 2020, where he was a key player in Italy's victory, his stature continued to grow.


  • Age for the 2026 World Cup: 29 years old

  • Minutes played in 2024-25: 3,621

  • Titles with Inter: 5 (including Serie A 2021 and 2024)

  • Appearances with the national team: 55+

  • Goals with Italy: 10


In short: Barella is healthy, he's fit, and if Everything is proceeding as planned; he will be one of Italy's key players in the World Cup.

Numbers and performance with Italy


Since his debut with the senior national team in 2018, Nicolò Barella has evolved by leaps and bounds. He has become synonymous with modern midfield balance: he can mark, create, intercept, and lead transitions with tactical intelligence.


Key Stats


  • Average passes per game with Italy: 68

  • Pass accuracy: 89.1%

  • Interceptions per game: 2.1

  • Duels won per game: 5.2

  • Goal involvements (goals + assists): 19


The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

Italy on the Road to the 2026 World Cup


Italy has unfinished business. After missing out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the pressure to qualify for the 2026 tournament is enormous. Under the management of Luciano Spalletti, the Azzurri have opted for a generational renewal, but without abandoning their most established stars, such as Barella, Donnarumma, and Chiesa.


What's the Azzurri up to?


In the UEFA qualifying phase, Italy is in a competitive group, but has a clear chance of advancing. Barella has started in all the official matches of Spalletti's cycle, and has scored important goals in the qualifiers.


  • Italy in UEFA qualifiers: 2nd in their group until October 2025

  • Barella's goals in the tie: 3

  • % of minutes played by Barella: 91%

  • Presence as a starter: 100%

  • DT Spalletti's criteria: "Barella is essential to our identity"


If a serious injury or a dramatic drop in form does not occur, Nicolò Barella will not only He'll not only be at the World Cup, but he'll also be one of the Azzurri's key players. Spalletti's 4-3-3 formation suits him perfectly: freedom to attack, but with structure. Furthermore, let's not forget that Barella already has experience in major tournaments and isn't fazed by the pressure. He has goals, grit, and game awareness. And in a World Cup... that's worth its weight in gold.

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