​The 2026 World Cup has reached its pivotal stage, with the quarter-finals just about to begin and a number of Serie A stars still chasing the world title with their national teams. Which players from Serie A hold the strongest hopes of lifting the trophy for their country?
The tournament has already delivered its share of surprises. Turkey, featuring Juve talent Kenan Yıldız, exited in the group phase, as did Brazil, whose ranks included Atalanta’s Éderson and Juventus’ Bremer. Traditional powerhouses such as Germany and the Netherlands also bowed out earlier than expected. Now the focus shifts to the knockout rounds, with the first half of the bracket seeing France take on Morocco and Spain facing Belgium, while the second half pits Norway, the tournament’s surprise package, against England and Argentina against Switzerland. Overall, 22 Serie A players remain in contention; but who has the best shot of securing the title for their country?
Here is a look at the probabilities and betting odds for those Serie A players still in play. Belgium, Morocco, and Switzerland have already exceeded expectations by advancing to the quarter-finals, stunning stronger teams along the way. Yet lifting the World Cup remains a steep challenge for all of them.
Belgium, which features five Serie A-based players, faces reigning European champions Spain in the quarter-finals and could meet France in the semi-finals. Those are two formidable opponents that will push a Belgian side currently in a transition period to its limits.
Belgium’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 34.00 at bet365 (reference date: July 9, 2026)
Probability: 2.9%
Morocco is widely regarded as one of the tournament’s surprise packages, demonstrating immense individual quality. Reaching the quarter-finals was well deserved, but France could present a hurdle too far for this strong Moroccan squad.
Morocco’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 34.00 at bet365 (reference date: July 9, 2026)
Probability: 2.9%
Switzerland remains a team to watch, thanks to their collective unity and the presence of game-changing talents like Johan Manzambi. However, Manzambi has recently been sidelined by injury, and the match against Colombia likely took a heavy physical toll. In all likelihood, Argentina—bolstered by the outstanding form of Lionel Messi—will pose a formidable obstacle.
Switzerland’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 34.00 at bet365 (reference date: July 9, 2026)
Probability: 2.9%
Norway and its supporters are riding a wave of optimism as they chase a historic run, with several of their key players plying their trade in Serie A. The broader story of this team is one of a national project that could surprise the skeptics if they continue their disciplined, cohesive approach and translate domestic success into a deeper run on the global stage.
Norway’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: [to be updated]
Probability: [to be updated]
As the quarter-finals approach, the question remains which Serie A participants will leave their mark on the tournament and potentially lift the trophy. With 22 players still in contention, the next few days will be critical in determining which of them can translate club-form into national glory.