No fewer than 16 Arsenal players will be representing their respective countries at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 this month. The tournament, which is being staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has seen every qualifying nation reveal their 26-man squad, ending speculation over which players would head to the global showpiece.
Impact on Arsenal's Pre-Season
The summer competition could have significant implications for Arsenal's pre-season preparations. The reigning Premier League champions have only confirmed a fixture against Real Betis on August 5 before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16. Manager Mikel Arteta will be eager to have his players return in good health as they look to defend their league title next season.
Confirmed Arsenal Players at the World Cup
Goalkeepers: David Raya (Spain)
Defenders: Gabriel Magalhaes (Brazil), William Saliba (France), Piero Hincapie (Colombia), Jurrien Timber (Netherlands)
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Norway), Mikel Merino (Spain), Martin Zubimendi (Spain), Declan Rice (England), Eberechi Eze (England)
Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil), Bukayo Saka (England), Kai Havertz (Germany), Leandro Trossard (Belgium), Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden), Noni Madueke (England)
Notable Absentees
Several Arsenal players will miss the tournament. Ben White (England) is absent due to injury, while Cristhian Mosquera (Spain) and Gabriel Jesus (Brazil) were not selected. Christian Norgaard (Denmark) and Riccardo Calafiori (Italy) did not qualify with their nations. Other absentees include Myles Lewis-Skelly, Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri (all England), Fabio Vieira (Portugal), and Tommy Setford (England), none of whom were selected.
