Fresh off the back of winning a first Premier League title in over 20 years, the attention will soon turn to international duty for Arsenal’s star players. That is, after the small matter of the UEFA Champions League final this weekend. Meanwhile, fans will be looking for a Complete guide to the 2026 World Cup to get an idea of which nations are the favourites, the dark horses, the underdogs.
As the tournament approaches, and pre-tournament friendlies are played, fan anticipation will reach fever pitch and the world will begin to predict who could come out on top in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Arsenal will of course be heavily represented at the competition with a squad full of international stars. How far these players will go will largely be out of their hands and depend on which country they are fortunate enough to represent. However, some of these stars are so influential they could prove the difference between coming close and going all the way.
Jurrien Timber
Dutch centre-back Jurriën Timber, has been a revelation for Arsenal. His defensive prowess and ability to initiate attacks from the back make him a key player for the Netherlands. Even if the Dutch decide to utilise Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries in his preferred right-bck position, they are sure to find space for Timber elsewhere in the lineup.
Given Timber’s growth this season, he could play a significant role in the Netherlands’ campaign, but will they have enough to reach the latter stages? That remains to be seen.
Spanish Trio
Spain have been a force to be reckoned with in world football over the past 20 years, and Arsenal’s Spanish trio – David Raya, Martín Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino – could be instrumental in their 2026 World Cup journey.
Raya, with his exceptional goalkeeping skills, could be Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper. Luis De La Fuente has often opted for Unai Simon between the sticks, but with many of the world’s experts pondering whether Raya may indeed be the best keeper on the planet, he is closer than ever to making that number one berth his own.
Zubimendi and Merino, both midfielders with excellent ball control and vision, could be key for Spain as the reigning European champions look to win the World Cup again.
William Saliba
William Saliba has been a consistent performer for Arsenal for some time now. His defensive solidity and aerial dominance make him an almost guaranteed starter for France this summer, despite them having one of the most stacked squads in the tournament.
Given France’s rich history in this competition, including in recent years when they have won the 2018 edition and reached the 2022 final, Saliba could go far in the tournament.
Not only is Saliba one of the best defenders at the World Cup, but he is also playing for arguably the most well-equipped nation there. Of all the Arsenal players hoping to do something special, he might be the most likely.
Brazilian Duo
Brazil, with their illustrious World Cup history, will always be a team to watch in this competition.
Arsenal’s Brazilian duo of centre-back Gabriel Magalhães and forward Gabriel Martinelli could play pivotal roles.
Alongside Saliba, Gabriel has been absolutely dominant at the back for The Gunners, and any success Brazil might have this summer will surely depend on him being at his A-game.
Meanwhile, Martinelli is one of the most explosive elements of the attacking side of the Brazilian squad and should be in frame to start the group games and make an impact.
However, despite their history making them an intimidating proposition for anyone, this Brazilian crop doesn’t hold a candle to previous generations, and few will back them to make it past the quarter finals. If they do so, Gabriel will surely be one of the key reasons.
English Quartet
Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke have all been selected by England boss Thomas Tuchel, and with the Three Lions among the favourites to win the trophy, they are well placed to have a summer to remember.
Rice has been a rock in Arsenal’s midfield and galvanised the team towards success this season, almost single-handedly at times. Eze has been unstoppable with his pace and creativity. While Saka has been off the boil, he has a lot of international experience and quality and could find form at the right time. Madueke may prove to be more of a fringe player for Tuchel, but previous editions of the World Cup have shown that such a player can sometimes make all the difference.
Given England’s strong squad and their recent run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, and two Euros finals in recent memory, they will be fancied by many to cause a stir in the States.
Meanwhile, the likes of Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyökeres will all be crucial elements of their respective national team squads, but unfortunately for them, Norway, Belgium, Germany and Sweden are unlikely to trouble the latter stages of the tournament, in the eyes of the experts.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be yet another platform for Arsenal players to showcase their talent on the global stage. Their performances could be instrumental in their countries’ success in the tournament.
As we approach the World Cup, the excitement among Arsenal fans is sure to build. It will be interesting to see which Arsenal players will go further with their countries at the tournament. However, for now, focus must return to the Champions League final this weekend.
