Manuel Locatelli

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Manuel Locatelli's prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 appear strong, provided he maintains his current form and remains fit. The Juventus captain recently recovered from an ankle injury sustained in early June 2025 while on international duty, which led him to miss some of Italy's 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. However, he has since returned to full training and was expected to participate in the Club World Cup in mid-December 2025, a positive sign of his recovery and readiness.

Current Form and Analysis:

Locatelli, at 27 years old, is a pivotal defensive midfielder for Juventus, where he has taken on the captaincy during the 2024-2025 season under coach Thiago Motta. He is highly regarded for his midfield mastery, consistently strong performances, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Analytics highlight his importance in transition and moving the ball forward, with his performances placing him in the highest percentiles for forward passes and progressive passes. He also excels in winning possession and duels.

While his current Serie A season (2025/2026) statistics show no goals or assists in 15 matches, his overall performance ratings remain good. His role is often described as a "string-puller," crucial in both initiating attacking moves and disrupting opposition threats, providing a vital foundation for his team's play.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects:

Locatelli has been a consistent presence in the Italian national team since his debut in September 2020, featuring in 34 matches and scoring 3 goals, including playing a significant role in Italy's UEFA Euro 2020 triumph. His ability to control the midfield, break up play, maintain possession, and link defense with attack makes him an essential asset for both his club and the national team.

Given his crucial role as Juventus captain, his consistent high-level performances, and his history with the national team, Manuel Locatelli is highly likely to be a key figure for Italy in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. His continued fitness and performance at club level will be paramount to securing his place in Luciano Spalletti's squad.

Latest News:

As of December 2025, Locatelli has fully recovered from his ankle injury and returned to full team training with Juventus. He was expected to be available for Juventus' Club World Cup matches, starting on June 18, 2025, and has been consistently playing for Juventus in Serie A and the Champions League during the 2025-2026 season. He recently received a 7.3 Sofascore rating in Juventus' 2-1 win against Roma on December 2025.