The line-up for the 2026 World Cup is almost complete, and Arsenal are guaranteed to be well represented.
Fans will no doubt be hoping the Gunners’ World Cup hopefuls maintain their form and fitness ahead of the international football extravaganza.
Supporters will be eager to grab last-minute Arsenal tickets with instant confirmation to ensure they don’t miss the chance to watch them in action.
With Arsenal in the running for four trophies this season, their top players will be desperate to justify the clamour for tickets by demonstrating their World Cup credentials.
With that in mind, read on as we look at the Arsenal players expected to feature at the 2026 World Cup in North America next summer.
Who has already qualified?
Nine of the 42 teams which have secured a place in the tournament have Arsenal players in their squads. The list is as follows:
- England: Myles Lewis-Skelly, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze.
- Spain: Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, David Raya.
- France: William Saliba.
- Germany: Kai Havertz.
- Norway: Martin Odegaard.
- Belgium: Leandro Trossard.
- France: William Saliba.
- Netherlands: Jurrien Timber.
- Brazil: Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli.
- Ecuador: Piero Hincapie.
Arsenal fans will be keenly following England’s fortunes next summer, with five players expected to be in manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze look nailed on to be chosen, while Myles Lewis-Skelly and Noni Madueke could also make the final cut.
However, while the Three Lions are one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the World Cup, their underwhelming record in major tournaments makes them a risky betting proposition.
European champions Spain appeal as more likely winners of the tournament, given the wealth of talent available to manager Luis de la Fuente.
Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino should have plenty of opportunities to shine, but David Raya may have to settle for a back-up role.
Spain were superb on their way to winning Euro 2024 and will be a tough nut to crack when the tournament gets underway next summer.
France defender William Saliba also has a genuine chance of returning from North America with a World Cup winners’ medal.
The French squad is strong in every position, and they will be desperate to secure a major trophy in head coach Didier Deschamps’ final tournament.
Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli will be hoping to help five-time winners Brazil lift the trophy for the first time since 2002.
The Samba Kings were inconsistent during the qualification phase, but their decision to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as manager could be a masterstroke.
Ancelotti has won a plethora of silverware at club level and will be eager to transfer that success onto the international stage.
The Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium and Ecuador also have Arsenal players in their ranks, but none of them appeal as likely World Cup winners.
Who can still qualify?
Another three Arsenal players could make it to the World Cup if their teams emerge victorious from the play-offs next March. The draw is as follows:
- Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Italy or Northern Ireland.
- Ukraine or Sweden vs Poland or Albania.
- Slovakia or Kosovo vs Turkey or Romania.
- Republic of Ireland or Czechia vs Denmark or North Macedonia.
Despite being outclassed by Norway in their group, Italy will fancy their chances of safely navigating the play-offs.
Riccardo Calafiori and his teammates should beat Northern Ireland in the semi-final, and would be favourites to beat Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina if they progress.
However, it is worth noting that Italy have missed out on the last two editions of the World Cup, so they cannot afford to take anything for granted.
Despite finishing bottom of Group B, Sweden’s performance in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League means they can still qualify.
Viktor Gyokeres will be a key part of their bid to reach the World Cup, but his team have been handed a tough draw in the play-offs.
Denmark are also in the play-offs after Scotland pipped them to automatic qualification. Christian Norgaard was a substitute in the decisive game.
Two stoppage-time goals sent Scotland through and pitched Denmark into a play-off semi-final against North Macedonia.
If the Danes win that game, they will travel to either the Republic of Ireland or Czechia in the final. The winners qualify for the World Cup.
