Arsenal have received a major boost heading into the new season after three of their Spanish internationals claimed World Cup winners medals in New Jersey.
Mikel Merino, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi were all part of the Spain squad that beat a 10-man Argentina 1-0 in extra time to lift the trophy.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, powering his shot past Emiliano Martinez to seal Spain’s second World Cup title.
The win means the Arsenal trio have achieved a rare and remarkable double, having already won Euro 2024 and Arsenal’s long-awaited Premier League title earlier this year.
Only four players had previously won the Premier League and the World Cup in the same calendar year, with Arsenal legends Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit among the first to do so with France in 1998.
Merino was one of Spain’s standout performers throughout the tournament, coming off the bench to score late winners against Portugal in the last 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Raya served as backup to Unai Simon throughout the competition, while Zubimendi made his first tournament appearance when he replaced Rodri in the 99th minute of the final.
Spain completely dominated Argentina across the 90 minutes, registering 11 shots on target to Argentina’s none, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez keeping his side in the contest.
Argentina’s task became even harder when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi just minutes before the final whistle blew.
Torres then punished the 10 men in extra time, and Spain’s triumph was sealed, though the aftermath was marred by ugly scenes that drew widespread condemnation from pundits.
Leandro Paredes received a red card after full time, kicking Eric Garcia to the ground and appearing to place a hand around the defender’s throat before pushing Gavi.
Molina was also caught on camera appearing to throw a punch during the chaotic confrontation that followed Spain’s victory at the New Jersey New York Stadium.
Speaking about the incidents, Wayne Rooney did not hold back in his assessment of Argentina’s conduct after the final whistle.
“Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me, I think we’ve seen this with Argentina before and it’s just not the reaction you want,” Rooney said.
“We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round as well. I think Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves as well, so it’s disappointing – that’s just sad.”
Rooney added: “If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s very poor from them.”
On the individual front, France’s Kylian Mbappe claimed the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, finishing two clear of Lionel Messi, who scored eight during the tournament.
For Mikel Arteta, seeing three key members of his squad return to north London as World Cup champions could not have come at a better time ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
