Every Arsenal Player at the 2026 World Cup: Fixtures, Chances, Favorites
Not even two weeks separate the 2026 Champions League final and the start of the World Cup, offering the Arsenal contingent heading to North America little respite.
While the Gunners' 2025–26 campaign ended in penalty shootout heartbreak, Mikel Arteta's side achieved their primary objective of once again sitting atop English soccer‘s perch.
A first Premier League title in 22 years was celebrated by a fanbase that spawned new members at an unrelenting rate, with London overrun by those desperate to savor Arsenal's return to glory.
The World Cup tends to facilitate similar scenes of jubilation, and there are plenty of Gunners representing their respective countries this summer. Here's an overview of those joining up with their national teams for soccer's grandest event in North America.
Belgium
Leandro Trossard
After becoming the ninth player in Champions League history to score in multiple finals, the marauding Kai Havertz is poised to lead Germany's line at the World Cup.
Few know what we're going to get from the four-time world champions this summer, but whatever Julian Nagelsmann has planned, Havertz will be central to it.
"We need Kai; his goal in the Champions League final was exceptional," Nagelsmann recently commented. "You could see his importance, his work ethic defensively, his brilliant heading ability, even in defensive set pieces. He's a very good person, a really great guy and a top player. He'll perform well this summer."
No pressure!
Group Stage Fixtures
- Germany vs. Curaçao-Sunday, June 14 (1 p.m. ET)
- Germany vs. Côte d'Ivoire-Saturday, June 20 (4 p.m. ET)
- Ecuador vs. Germany-Thursday, June 25 (4 p.m. ET)
Chances of Progression
- Top Group: 60.24%
- Round of 32: 96.24%
- Round of 16: 61.82%
- Quarterfinals: 33.78%
- Semifinals: 20.43%
- Final: 10.96%
- Winner: 5.78%
Netherlands
Jurriën Timber
Jurriën Timber spent more than two months on the sidelines before he was used off the bench in Budapest, right after the previously stout Cristhian Mosquera was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for clumsily bringing down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box.
Timber's fitness must be a concern for Ronald Koeman, even if his body didn't give way against PSG. The extended period meant he got almost 50 minutes under his belt.
He'll battle with Real Madrid-bound Denzel Dumfries, who also battled injury in 2025–26 for a starting spot on the right side of the Netherlands's defense. Historically associated with losing gloriously, the Oranje is unlikely to woo the masses under Koeman. Still, its impressive defensive personnel offers hope of enjoying a successful campaign.
Group Stage Fixtures
- Netherlands vs. Japan-Sunday, June 14 (4 p.m. ET)
- Netherlands vs. Sweden-Saturday, June 20 (1 p.m. ET)
- Tunisia vs. Netherlands-Thursday, June 25 (7 p.m. ET)
Chances of Progression
- Top Group: 47.84%
- Round of 32: 88.44%
- Round of 16: 49.03%
- Quarterfinals: 30.03%
- Semifinals: 15.77%
- Final: 8.13%
- Winner: 3.92%
Norway
Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard remains Arsenal's captain, but he's no longer the sultry creative protagonist he once was in north London. His 2025–26 campaign was stop-start due to an array of fitness setbacks.
Still, it was Ødegaard who hoisted the Premier League trophy aloft at Selhurst Park after Arsenal were confirmed champions on the penultimate matchday. Now, the 27-year-old will lead Norway out at its first World Cup of the 21st century.
The Nordic nation sparkled in qualifying, thumping Italy twice, and will have the chance to leave an early mark at the tournament when it faces Senegal and France in the group stage.
Group Stage Fixtures
- Iraq vs. Norway-Tuesday, June 16 (6 p.m. ET)
- Norway vs. Senegal-Monday, June 22 (8 p.m. ET)
- Norway vs. France-Friday, June 26 (3 p.m. ET)
Chances of Progression
- Top Group: 25.20%
- Round of 32: 82.05%
- Round of 16: 49.27%
- Quarterfinals: 27.59%
- Semifinals: 14.91%
- Final: 7.22%
- Winner: 3.38%
Spain
David Raya, Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi
There‘s plenty of Spanish representation in the Arsenal roster, and Mosquera may count himself unfortunate to miss out.
Still, three Spanish Gunners are heading to the World Cup, including Mikel Merino, who's only recently recovered from foot surgery.
Spain is the reigning European champion and many people's favorite to win its second World Cup. The fitness of Lamine Yamal may well decide how far it goes in matching pre-tournament expectations, which have been slightly dampened by fitness setbacks.
With Luis de la Fuente preferring Unai Simón in goal and Rodri injury-free again, David Raya and Martín Zubimendi may struggle for game time.
Group Stage Fixtures
- Spain vs. Cabo Verde-Monday, June 15 (12 p.m. ET)
- Spain vs. Saudi Arabia-Sunday, June 21 (12 p.m. ET)
- Uruguay vs. Spain-Friday, June 26 (8 p.m. ET)
Chances of Progression
- Top Group: 75.12%
- Round of 32: 99.44%
- Round of 16: 72.02%
- Quarterfinals: 51.32%
- Semifinals: 38.54%
- Final: 25.2%
- Winner: 16.04%
Sweden
Viktor Gyökeres
Sweden has its battering ram of a center forward to thank for its World Cup qualification. Graham Potter's side were handed a second chance via the playoffs, and they took full advantage in March.
Gyökeres's goals fired Sweden past Ukraine and Poland to ensure it returned to soccer‘s biggest stage after missing out in 2022. Sweden was quarterfinalists in 2018 and semifinalists the last time the World Cup was held in North America at USA ‘94.
A tough Group F beckons, though.
Group Stage Fixtures
- Sweden vs. Tunisia-Sunday, June 14 (10 p.m. ET)
- Netherlands vs. Sweden-Saturday, June 20 (1 p.m. ET)
- Japan vs. Sweden-Thursday, June 25 (7 p.m. ET)
Chances of Progression
- Top Group: 16.90%
- Round of 32: 63.66%
- Round of 16: 23.66%
- Quarterfinals: 10.21%
- Semifinals: 3.98%
- Final: 1.41%
- Winner: 0.51%
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 4:25 AM.