Dusan Vlahovic will not be part of the next World Cup after Serbia’s elimination, a development that could have a ripple effect on his situation with Juventus — both in terms of timing and future plans.
Serbia’s Disappointing Elimination
For Serbia, this latest setback continues a difficult period in which expectations have often outstripped results. The 2–0 defeat to England confirmed their early exit, but the decisive blow had already come with the earlier loss to Albania — a match that cost coach Dragan Stojkovic his job and allowed Albania to claim second place and a playoff spot.
Among the disappointed were Juventus duo Vlahovic and Filip Kostic, both of whom will now watch the 2026 World Cup from home. For Kostic, it was likely to be his last chance to appear at a major international tournament. Serbia’s final qualifier against Latvia now holds no value beyond completing the fixture list.
Focus Shifts Entirely to Juventus
La Gazzetta dello sport report how the immediate consequence for Vlahovic is clear: his full focus will now be on Juventus for the remainder of the season. With Serbia out of contention, the striker will not have the mental or physical distractions linked to international duty when the playoffs arrive in March.
This is, in many ways, good news for the Bianconeri. A fully concentrated and rested Vlahovic could be a significant asset in the race for domestic and European success. However, both he and Kostic will return to Turin with understandably low morale after their national team’s disappointment.
Contract Talks and Future Timing
Attention naturally turns to Vlahovic’s long-term future, with his current contract set to expire in June. Juventus’ CEO Damien Comolli has already stated that discussions are planned for the end of the season, aiming to defuse speculation for now. Yet Serbia’s early exit could accelerate those plans.
Had the team qualified for the World Cup, Vlahovic would have headed off with the national squad immediately after the club season, pushing any renewal talks further down the calendar. Now, with no summer commitments, Juventus and the player have a longer window to negotiate. The removal of that scheduling obstacle could help both sides reach a decision sooner.
Still, it would be premature to assume that discussions will only take place at the end of the campaign. Vlahovic’s future carries weight for Juventus at both a sporting and financial level, and the club will want clarity well before the crucial summer period.
No World Cup Shop Window
For a player in Vlahovic’s position — young, ambitious, and nearing the end of a contract — the World Cup can serve as a career-defining stage. Without that platform, the Serbian forward loses a high-profile opportunity to increase his value or attract interest from major European clubs through standout performances.
As a result, his form in a Juventus shirt will be the sole factor influencing potential offers or extensions in the coming months. It adds further incentive for Vlahovic to perform at his peak in Turin, where every goal could shape not only his season but also the next step in his career.
