Filip Kostić

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Filip Kostić: A Veteran Wing-Back's World Cup 2026 Prospects

Filip Kostić, the experienced Serbian left wing-back, approaches the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 33 years old (turning 34 in November 2026), bringing a wealth of experience but also raising questions about his playing time and peak performance. Currently with Juventus, Kostić's role and output in the 2025/2026 season provide a mixed picture for his national team aspirations.

Current Form & Season Performance

The 2025/2026 Serie A season has seen Filip Kostić feature for Juventus as a left wing-back. He has recorded 3 goals and 1 assist in 18 Serie A matches, accumulating 469 minutes on the pitch. His goal involvement equates to 0.77 per 90 minutes, a statistic that places him in the 99th percentile for goals+assists per 90 among Serie A players this season. He also has one yellow card in the Serie A this season. In the UEFA Champions League, he has played 29 minutes this season.

While his per-90 goal contributions are notable, a closer look at his recent club appearances in May 2026 indicates a reduced role, as he was an unused substitute in multiple Serie A matches, including against Torino, Fiorentina, Lecce, and Hellas Verona. He did feature for 11 minutes against Atalanta in April 2026, earning a 6.5 FotMob rating, and played 1 minute against Udinese in March 2026.

He also had a loan spell at Fenerbahçe during the 2024-2025 season.

World Cup 2026 Prospects

Filip Kostić has been a prominent figure for the Serbian national team, earning 72 caps and scoring 3 international goals since his debut in 2015. He has represented Serbia at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, playing in all three group stage matches in 2018 and featuring against Cameroon and Switzerland in 2022. He was also part of the Serbia squad for UEFA Euro 2024, starting the opening match before being substituted due to a suspected knee ligament injury.

His likelihood of selection for the 2026 World Cup squad will heavily depend on his form and fitness leading up to the tournament, especially given his age. While his experience and established role within the squad for over a decade are assets, the trend of being an unused substitute in recent club matches could be a concern. If he can maintain fitness and prove his value, he is likely to be a part of the squad, potentially offering a crucial option off the bench or as a starter in a system that maximizes his crossing ability.

Playing Style & Tactical Analysis

Kostić is predominantly a left-footed player, primarily operating as a left midfielder, left wing-back, or left winger. His playing style is characterized by his relentless work rate, strong attacking threat, and significant defensive contributions. He is renowned for his exceptional crossing ability, often delivering dangerous balls into the box, and his powerful long-range shots. His speed and direct ball-carrying make him a threat in transitions, allowing him to exploit wide areas and quickly progress the ball.

However, his pass completion rate has been noted as not his strongest attribute, although his efficiency in key areas, particularly in the final third, compensates for this. Defensively, Kostić demonstrates determination, with a good success rate in defensive duels and an eagerness to win back possession high up the pitch. His ability to hold possession and carry the ball forward under pressure is also a valuable defensive quality.

Key Stats & Milestones

• Age: 33 (born November 1, 1992)
• Current Club: Juventus
• National Team: Serbia
• International Caps: 72
• International Goals: 3
• 2025/2026 Serie A Season:
• Appearances: 18
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 1
• Minutes Played: 469
• Goals per 90: 0.58
• Assists per 90: 0.19
• Goal Involvement per 90: 0.77 (99th percentile)
• Career Milestones:
• UEFA Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt (2021/2022), where he was also named Player of the Season and top assist provider.
• Coppa Italia winner with Juventus (2023/2024).
• Bundesliga Team of the Season (2019–20).
• He is the midfielder with the most assists (58) in the Bundesliga since his debut in 2014/15 across 249 games.

Expert Predictions

While specific pundit predictions for Kostić's World Cup 2026 chances are not readily available in the provided data, his age and current club situation will undoubtedly be central to any analysis. His decreased playing time at Juventus in the latter part of the 2025/2026 season, as evidenced by multiple instances of being an unused substitute, suggests that his role might be evolving.

Analysts are likely to weigh his invaluable experience and proven ability to deliver crosses and contribute offensively against potential concerns about his stamina over a demanding tournament and his recent club minutes. Given his history of consistent performance and impact on the left flank for Serbia, he will still be considered a valuable asset. However, his selection and expected impact might shift towards a more rotational or specialist role, possibly as an impact substitute, rather than an undisputed 90-minute starter, especially if younger talents emerge or his club playing time continues to be limited. His performance in any pre-World Cup friendlies and qualifiers will be crucial in solidifying his position within the Serbian squad.