Lorenzo Pellegrini

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Lorenzo Pellegrini's 2026 World Cup Prospects Clouded by Recent Injury

Rome, Italy - Italian international midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini's prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are currently under scrutiny following a recent thigh injury. The AS Roma captain, who has been a consistent presence for both club and country, is expected to miss several weeks of action, raising concerns about his form and fitness leading into the crucial pre-World Cup period.

Pellegrini, 29, sustained a grade two left biceps femoris strain during training on December 26, 2025, and is anticipated to be sidelined for three to four weeks, effectively ruling him out for most of January 2026. This comes at a critical juncture in the 2025/2026 club season, where he has featured regularly for AS Roma in both Serie A and the Europa League.

Current Form and Club Performance:

Prior to his injury, Pellegrini had been actively involved for AS Roma in the 2025/2026 season. He has made 12 appearances in Serie A, scoring 2 goals, and 5 appearances in the Europa League, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. His overall performance metrics for the season indicate a passing accuracy of 78% and an average of 41.5 minutes played per match in the Europa League. He also recorded 28 shots for Roma this season, with 12 on target. Despite some periods of strong performance, including a goal against Udinese in November 2025 and creating chances against Juventus in December 2025, his club's form has been inconsistent.

International Standing:

Pellegrini has been a regular in the Italy national team, amassing 36 caps and scoring 6 goals since his debut in 2017. He was notably included in Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2024, where he provided an assist in their opening group match. His experience in major international tournaments and his versatility as an attacking or central midfielder make him a valuable asset for the Azzurri.

Challenges and World Cup Prospects:

While Pellegrini's talent and experience are undeniable, his recurring injury concerns could pose a significant challenge to his 2026 World Cup aspirations. He underwent nose surgery in July 2025 to repair an old nasal fracture and also dealt with a muscle injury in May 2025 and illness in March 2025. Consistent fitness will be paramount for him to secure a spot in Luciano Spalletti's squad, especially with fierce competition expected in Italy's midfield.

Furthermore, his contract situation with Roma, which is set to expire in June 2026, has been a topic of discussion. Reports in early August 2025 indicated doubts about his future at the club due to stalled contract talks and a change in captaincy policy, with Inter Milan showing interest. However, later reports in January 2025 suggested Roma's desire to retain him. A stable club environment and strong performances will be crucial for him to maintain his national team standing.

As Italy embarks on its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, Pellegrini's ability to quickly recover from his current injury, maintain a high level of performance, and stay injury-free will be key factors in determining his involvement in the tournament. His leadership and creative abilities could be vital for the Azzurri, but he faces a demanding period to prove his readiness.