Arsenal Players at the World Cup: 15 Gunners chasing global glory | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Premier League triumph and run to the Champions League final ensured Mikel Arteta’s side finished the 2025/26 season as one of Europe’s leading teams.

Now 15 Gunners will attempt to carry that success onto football’s biggest stage as the 2026 World Cup gets underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

From Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice with England to Martin Ødegaard leading Norway’s first major tournament campaign in 26 years, Arsenal’s stars will be spread across nine nations. Several arrive in North America fresh from the most successful campaign of their careers, while others will be looking to crown breakthrough seasons with World Cup glory.

Here are the Arsenal players heading to the tournament and the stories to follow.

England – Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke

England boast the largest Arsenal contingent at the tournament and much of their hopes could rest on players who have just delivered the Premier League title.

Saka heads into his second World Cup as one of the country’s most important players, while Rice enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the title. Eze earned his place after an outstanding campaign, while Madueke will experience his first World Cup after continuing his rise under Thomas Tuchel.

Few countries arrive with more Arsenal influence than England.

England Group L FixturesEngland vs Croatia: Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT (Dallas Stadium, Texas)England vs Ghana: Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT (Boston Stadium, Massachusetts)Panama vs England: Saturday, 27 June 2026 at 5:00 pm EDT (New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey)

Spain – David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi

European champions Spain head to North America with three Arsenal players in their squad.

Raya has established himself as one of the country’s leading goalkeepers, while Merino and new signing Zubimendi are both expected to play important roles in midfield. All three were part of Spain’s recent successes and will believe they have a genuine chance of lifting the trophy.

With their blend of technical quality and tournament experience, Spain are among the favourites once again.

Spain Group H FixturesSpain vs Cape Verde: Monday, 15 June 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT (Atlanta Stadium, Georgia)Spain vs Saudi Arabia: Sunday, 21 June 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT (Atlanta Stadium, Georgia)Uruguay vs Spain: Friday, 26 June 2026 at 8:00 pm EDT (Estadio Guadalajara, Mexico)

Brazil – Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli

Few Arsenal players enjoyed a better season than central defender Gabriel, who now has the chance to showcase his talents at a first World Cup.

Alongside him is Martinelli, who returns to the tournament after featuring in Qatar four years ago. Brazil remain the most successful nation in World Cup history and arrive under Carlo Ancelotti hoping to add a sixth title.

The pair will be central to those ambitions, with Gabriel anchoring the defence and Martinelli offering pace and unpredictability in attack.

Brazil Group C FixturesBrazil vs Morocco: Saturday, 13 June 2026 at 6:00 pm EDT (New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey)Brazil vs Haiti: Friday, 19 June 2026 at 9:00 pm EDT (Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania)Scotland vs Brazil: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 6:00 pm EDT (Miami Stadium, Florida

Norway – Martin Ødegaard

No Arsenal player may carry greater responsibility than club captain Martin Ødegaard.

Having helped guide Arsenal to Premier League glory, he now leads Norway into their first major tournament since Euro 2000. The midfielder remains the heartbeat of both club and country and will be joined by a talented generation that includes Erling Haaland.

Qualification alone was a landmark achievement. Norway will believe they can do far more than simply make up the numbers.

Norway Group FixturesIraq vs Norway: Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 6:00 pm EDT (Boston Stadium, Massachusetts)Norway vs Senegal: Monday, 22 June 2026 at 8:00 pm EDT (New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey)Norway vs France: Friday, 26 June 2026 at 3:00 pm EDT (Boston Stadium, Massachusetts)

France – William Saliba

Saliba heads to his second World Cup as one of the best centre-backs in world football.

The Arsenal defender was part of the France squad that reached the final in Qatar and has since become a key figure for both club and country. Les Bleus once again arrive among the favourites and Saliba is expected to play a major role at the heart of Didier Deschamps’ defence.

France Group I FixturesFrance vs Senegal: Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 3:00 pm EDT (New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey)France vs Iraq: Sunday, 21 June 2026 at 9:00 pm EDT (Boston Stadium, Massachusetts)Norway vs France: Friday, 26 June 2026 at 3:00 pm EDT (Boston Stadium, Massachusetts

Germany – Kai Havertz

After battling back from injury during the second half of the season, Havertz has earned another opportunity to shine on the international stage.

The forward’s versatility and big-game experience make him a valuable asset for Germany as they seek to re-establish themselves among football’s elite. Havertz already has major tournament experience and will hope this World Cup provides another defining chapter in his career.

Germany Group E FixturesGermany vs Curaçao: Sunday, 14 June 2026 at 1:00 pm EDT (Houston Stadium, Texas)Germany vs Ivory Coast: Saturday, 20 June 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT (Toronto Stadium, Canada)Ecuador vs Germany: Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 3:00 pm EDT (New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey)

The rest of Arsenal’s World Cup contingent

Leandro Trossard (Belgium) heads to his second World Cup hoping to help Belgium improve on their disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar.

Jurriën Timber (Netherlands) returns from injury in time for the tournament and could prove an important figure for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden) arrives full of confidence after firing Sweden to qualification and will be one of their main attacking threats.

Piero Hincapié (Ecuador) was a key figure in one of South America’s strongest qualifying campaigns and will be hoping to help Ecuador spring a surprise.

Full List of Arsenal players at the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

The first Arsenal players in action could even find themselves facing club teammates, with the group stage throwing up several intriguing match-ups. For a squad that conquered England and came within touching distance of European glory, the World Cup offers one final stage on which to complete a remarkable year.