As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the excitement is building, and Arsenal fans are eager to see how their beloved players will fare on the global stage. In this article, I'll take you through the Arsenal players who have been called up for the tournament, offering my insights and analysis along the way.
A World Cup Squad with Arsenal Flair
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a spectacle, and Arsenal will undoubtedly play a significant role. Let's delve into the key players and their journeys to this prestigious event.
Martin Odegaard: Captain Fantastic
Norway's captain, Martin Odegaard, has guided his nation to their first major finals since Euro 2000. It's a remarkable achievement, and I believe his leadership skills will be crucial for Norway's success. Having lifted the Premier League trophy with Arsenal and reached the Champions League final, Martin is on a roll. His 67 caps and appointment as skipper in 2021 showcase his maturity and influence on the team.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Martin's injury-induced absence from the latter part of the campaign didn't deter his teammates. They secured their qualification with a perfect record of five wins, a testament to the team's unity and determination.
Kai Havertz: German Star Power
Kai Havertz, our striker, has been a consistent performer for Germany, featuring in four consecutive tournament squads. Despite missing the qualifying campaign due to injury, his return to form and fitness is a boost for the German team. With 21 goals in 57 caps, Kai is a proven goal scorer, and his inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to his talent.
The four-time champions have a tough group ahead, facing Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curacao. However, with players like Kai, they have a real chance of progressing.
Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli: Brazilian Brothers
The Gabriel brothers, Big Gabi and Martinelli, will represent Brazil in the World Cup. Big Gabi, having made his debut in 2023, has already scored his first international goal and will be looking to make an impact in his first World Cup appearance. Martinelli, on the other hand, is a veteran of the 2022 World Cup, where Brazil reached the round of 16. With four goals in 22 caps, he's a reliable option for the Selecao.
Brazil's group, which includes Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, is a tough one, but with the likes of Neymar and the Gabriel brothers, they have a strong chance of progressing.
Leandro Trossard: Belgian Hope
Leandro Trossard, or Leo as he's affectionately known, will be hoping to guide Belgium to a better performance than their group stage exit in the last World Cup. With 50 caps and a goal against Wales, he's a key player for the Red Devils.
The inclusion of record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku is a big boost for Belgium, and with players like Trossard, they have a well-rounded squad. Their group, which includes Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, is a challenging one, but Belgium has the talent to progress.
William Saliba: French Ambition
William Saliba, a key member of the French squad that reached the final in the last World Cup, will be aiming for glory once again. With 31 caps and a regular spot in the French backline, he's a vital part of the team.
Manager Didier Deschamps has made some bold calls, omitting players like Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani, which shows his trust in the current squad. France's group, which includes Senegal and Iraq, is a tough one, but with players like Saliba, they have a real chance.
Viktor Gyokeres: Swedish Sensation
Viktor Gyokeres, with four goals in two games, has helped Sweden qualify via the playoffs. Despite a disappointing qualifying campaign, Sweden's Nations League performance gave them a second chance, and Viktor seized it with both hands.
With 19 goals in 32 appearances, he's a key player for Sweden. Their group, which includes Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan, is a tough one, but with players like Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, they have a fighting chance.
Eze, Madueke, Rice, Saka: English Talent
Thomas Tuchel has shown his faith in Arsenal players, selecting four for the English squad. Bukayo Saka, with 48 caps and 14 goals, is a key player for the Three Lions. Declan Rice, with 72 caps, is a veteran of major tournaments, and his experience will be invaluable.
Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, with their impressive qualifying campaigns, have earned their spots in the squad. England's group, which includes Ghana, Croatia, and Panama, is a challenging one, but with this talented Arsenal contingent, they have a real shot at success.
A Deeper Look
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a thrilling tournament, and with Arsenal players spread across various squads, the club's influence will be felt globally. From the leadership of Martin Odegaard to the goal-scoring prowess of Kai Havertz, each player brings something unique to their respective teams.
As an Arsenal fan, I'm excited to see how these players perform and contribute to their nations' success. It's a testament to the club's talent pool and the hard work put in by the players and coaching staff.
So, as we count down to the World Cup, let's cheer on our Arsenal heroes and hope for a memorable tournament.
