All 15 Arsenal players competing in the 2026 World Cup have successfully advanced to the knockout stages. Every Gunners representative remains in contention for the trophy as the tournament moves into the last 32, a performance that places Arsenal among the clubs boasting more representatives alongside Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Who are the Gunners facing in the last 32?
The knockout phase begins with several high-profile clashes involving Arsenal players. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli are set to face Japan in Houston on Monday, June 29. Brazil qualified for this stage after topping their group with seven points, with Gabriel starting all three group matches and Martinelli making two substitute appearances.
Later that same day, Kai Havertz and Germany will play Paraguay in Foxborough. Despite a recent defeat to Ecuador, Havertz has been a consistent presence, starting all three group games and netting two goals. On Tuesday, June 30, Martin Odegaard’s Norway faces the Ivory Coast in Dallas. Odegaard, who was rested for Norway’s final group match, will look to lead his side into the knockout phase.
Arsenal started the tournament with 15 players dreaming of lifting the trophy in North America this summer, with only Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boasting more.
How do the remaining fixtures impact Arsenal’s squad?
The knockout bracket features a direct collision between two Arsenal teammates: William Saliba’s France will face Viktor Gyokeres’ Sweden on Tuesday, June 30, in New Jersey. While Saliba was rested for France’s final group game, Gyokeres has played every minute of his nation’s campaign, contributing one goal to their qualification effort.
Piero Hincapie, who started all three games for Ecuador, will face co-host Mexico in the Azteca Stadium on Wednesday, July 1. On that same day, England’s contingent—Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Ebere Eze—will play DR Congo in Atlanta. Saka and Madueke have both seen action in all three group matches, while Rice is expected to return after being rested in that game.
When will the remaining Gunners take the pitch?
The final group of Arsenal players, including Leandro Trossard and the Spanish trio of Mikel Merino, David Raya, and Martin Zubimendi, conclude the last 32 schedule. Trossard, who scored a brace in Belgium’s 5-1 victory over New Zealand, faces Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday, July 1.
On Thursday, July 2, Spain plays Austria in Los Angeles. Mikel Merino has appeared in three matches so far, while teammates David Raya and Martin Zubimendi are currently awaiting their first minutes of the 2026 finals.
Keep an eye on squad rotation in the knockout stages. As seen with Martin Odegaard and William Saliba, managers are utilizing the full depth of their rosters to keep players fresh for the intensity of single-elimination football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Arsenal players have scored in the 2026 World Cup so far?
Kai Havertz has scored two goals for Germany, while Viktor Gyokeres has recorded one goal for Sweden.
How many Arsenal players are still in the tournament?
All 15 players initially selected for the tournament have successfully advanced to the knockout stage.
When does the last 32 conclude for Arsenal players?
The final Arsenal representatives, the Spanish trio of Merino, Raya, and Zubimendi, are scheduled to play their last 32 match against Austria on Thursday, July 2.
Stay tuned to our match reports throughout the knockout phase. Are you backing an Arsenal player to lift the trophy this summer? Share your predictions in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.