Evening Standard
·18 June 2026
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·18 June 2026
Arsenal have a strong contingent in North America for this summer’s showpiece
The Gunners have 15 players at the tournament and 11 of those got minutes as their countries began their campaigns on the biggest stage.
It was the defenders taking centre stage for Mikel Arteta's side this season but so far that has not been replicated at the World Cup.
While the likes of Gabriel and Piero Hincapie have had tough starts to the tournament, Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz wasted no time in getting themselves on the scoresheet.
Standard Sport takes a look at how every Arsenal player has fared so far...
All of a sudden the whole country loves his set-piece delivery.
Remarkably consistent from corners and Croatia could not deal with them. Registered one assist for Harry Kane and should have had at least one more, with Nico O'Reilly wasting chances. Came off with discomfort in his hamstring and lower back.
Ongoing concerns over his Achilles injury and it meant he was only fit enough for the bench against Croatia.
Still able to make a big impact off the bench and looked really bright. Great pass into Rashford's path for England's fourth goal, having launched the move himself with a brilliant turn on the touchline.
Benefitted from doubts over Saka's fitness by getting the nod to start for the Three Lions.
Sharp in the box to win the penalty for England's opener and was a real threat down the right. Played one brilliant cross into the six-yard box that Jude Bellingham nearly turned into the net.
Noni Madueke was a surprise starter for England against Croatia
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Started in a front two alongside Alexander Isak as Sweden hammered Tunisia 5-1 in their opening match and notched a goal and an assist.
Heavily involved throughout - nobody on the pitch had more shots. Played clean through after Tunisia made a mess of playing out from the back and never looked like missing.
Fit enough to start for France against Senegal despite concerns over a back injury.
Tested by Nicolas Jackson and had some moments where he was caught out, but made one brilliant last-ditch challenge to stop Ismaila Sarr charging through.
He coolly converted his penalty and doubled his tally with a nice dinked finish. Havertz is not always the most ruthless and efficient in front of goal but this was much better from the forward.
Only Lionel Messi has scored more goals than Kai Havertz at World Cup 2026
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Took the in-swinging corners, which he does not do for Arsenal, and his superb delivery was powered home for Norway's third. Nicolas Jover might have been making notes.
Played the full 90 minutes in Belgium's draw with Egypt, primarily on the right wing but he also switched over to the left at times.
Fluffed his lines when shanking a shot from a cut-back. Some lovely touches and flicks in the build-up but was not at his best in the box.
Shakier for Brazil against Morocco than he has for a long time in an Arsenal shirt.
He was out of position for Morocco's goal and looked to be off the pace throughout. Solid as ever when crosses were swung in but well below his usual levels when more isolated in defence.
Gabriel looked shaky in Brazil’s opener against Morocco
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Could not live with the winger's pace. Nobody on the pitch but more tackles but Hincapie was dribbled past four times - he was dribbled past only 19 times across the whole season for Arsenal.
Came on for the final 20 minutes of Spain's frustrating goalless draw with Cape Verde.
Almost made an immediate impact but his shot on the swivel was saved. Another step forward in his comeback from long-term injury.
Unused substitutes: Eberechi Eze, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Gabriel Martinelli







































