Ciro Immobile

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Ciro Immobile's Prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Appear Slim Amidst Injury and a Generational Shift in the Italian National Team

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, veteran Italian striker Ciro Immobile faces a challenging path to national team inclusion, primarily due to recent injury setbacks, his age, and a clear shift towards younger attacking talent within the Azzurri squad.

Latest News and Current Form:

Immobile, who turned 35 in February 2025, recently moved to Bologna in July 2025. His start to the 2025/2026 Serie A season was unfortunately marred by a significant thigh injury in August 2025, which sidelined him for nearly three months. He made his return to the pitch in early December 2025, but his appearances have been limited, with current season statistics showing no goals or assists in a handful of matches, totaling between 30 and 120 minutes of play across various competitions. Notably, he was not registered in Bologna's Europa League squad due to this injury. His contract with Bologna is set to expire in June 2026.

Analysis of World Cup 2026 Prospects:

Immobile's chances for the 2026 World Cup are significantly hampered by several factors:

• Age and Physical Condition: By the time the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Immobile will be 36 years old. While experience can be valuable, his recent thigh injury and a history of muscle issues raise concerns about his ability to maintain peak physical condition and endure the rigors of an international tournament. Recovering from serious injuries can be particularly demanding for older players, with some never fully regaining their previous form.
• Competition for Striker Positions: The Italian national team, currently managed by Gennaro Gattuso, is undergoing a "generational shift". The focus appears to be on integrating and developing younger strikers. Recent Italy squad call-ups for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in August and November 2025 have featured players like Gianluca Scamacca, Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadori, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Lorenzo Lucca. Immobile was conspicuously absent from these squads.
• Past International Performance: Despite being a prolific scorer at the club level for many years, Immobile has often faced criticism for his inconsistent form with the national team, failing to consistently replicate his club goal-scoring prowess for the Azzurri. His last appearance for Italy was in March 2022 during their unsuccessful World Cup playoff campaign.
• Coach's Direction: Manager Gennaro Gattuso has been exploring different attacking setups and utilizing various younger strikers, suggesting a move away from relying on established veterans like Immobile. One assessment from June 2025 explicitly stated that "Key attacking players Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne aren't around anymore" in the context of Italy's 2026 World Cup outlook, indicating a low expectation for his involvement.

Conclusion:

Given his recent significant injury, his advancing age, current limited playing time and lack of goal contributions, and the Italian national team's apparent pivot towards younger attacking options, Ciro Immobile's prospects for making the FIFA World Cup 2026 squad appear to be very low. The Azzurri are actively working to address their "striker problem" by integrating emerging talents, making it increasingly difficult for a veteran returning from injury to secure a spot.