Arsenal World Cup Update As All 15 Gunners Reach Knockouts

All 15 Arsenal players who travelled to the 2026 World Cup are still in the tournament after the group stage wrapped up.

With the group stage done, the World Cup moves into the new-look Round of 32. The expanded format means every team still standing faces one more knockout tie before the last 16.

Arsenal started the World Cup with one of the biggest club contingents in the competition. Only Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain sent more players. Now, every Arsenal representative has made it safely through the groups.

Some have already played major roles for their countries. Others are still waiting for their first minutes. A few are set for direct Arsenal-on-Arsenal clashes, which means the club’s World Cup group will shrink before the last 16.

Brazil face Japan in Houston on Monday after topping their group with seven points.

Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s most heavily used players at the tournament so far, starting all three group games in Carlo Ancelotti’s defence. That underlines his status in the Brazil setup and gives Arsenal a clear interest in one of the competition favourites.

Gabriel Martinelli has seen less action, coming off the bench twice in the group stage. His pace could still be a weapon as the knockout games open up.

Kai Havertz has started all three of Germany’s matches and scored twice during the group stage.

Germany now face Paraguay in Foxborough on Monday night, needing a response after losing to Ecuador in their final group game.

Havertz has had a productive tournament so far, but Germany’s path is already looking tough. They share their side of the draw with France, so a heavyweight European clash could come as soon as the last 16 if both teams get through.

Martin Odegaard’s Norway face Ivory Coast in Dallas on Tuesday after finishing second in their group.

The Arsenal captain played in Norway’s opening two matches before sitting out the defeat to France, with qualification already secured.

That rest should leave him fresh for the knockouts, where Norway have a real chance to keep their run going if they can get past Ivory Coast.

William Saliba is preparing for a direct Arsenal meeting against Viktor Gyokeres when France face Sweden in New York/New Jersey on Tuesday.

Saliba sat out the Norway game as France rotated, but he remains a key part of their defence and should be back in the mix for the knockouts.

France have a tough draw and bracket ahead of them. If they get past Sweden, it’s likely Germany or Paraguay waiting in the last 16.

Gyokeres has played every minute for Sweden so far and scored once during the group stage.

His reward is a tough Round of 32 clash with France, so at least one of the Gunners will be heading home before the last 16.

It’s one of the most intriguing Arsenal matchups of the round, with Gyokeres’ physical presence up against William Saliba, amongst one of the best defensive units left in the tournament.

Piero Hincapie has started all three of Ecuador’s matches and now faces co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

Ecuador arrive in the knockouts with momentum, having come from behind to beat Germany in the group stage.

Hincapie has been a fixture in their back line, and the Mexico tie hands him another big stage at one of the tournament’s most atmospheric venues.

England face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday after finishing top of Group L.

Bukayo Saka will be hoping to start again after making an impact in the final group game against Panama. Declan Rice should also be back in the mix after sitting that one out following minor injury concerns.

Noni Madueke has featured in all three England games so far and has shown some promising performances, even if they haven't translated into goals, with Eberechi Eze has also made two appearances from the bench.

England’s path starts with a tie they’ll be expected to win, but Thomas Tuchel has already warned against looking past DR Congo. Mexico or Hincapie's Ecuador will be waiting in the last 16.

Leandro Trossard helped Belgium win their group with a Brace in the 5-1 victory over New Zealand.

The Arsenal winger has started all three matches and will hope to keep his place when Belgium face Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday night.

Trossard’s double sparked Belgium’s best attacking display of the tournament so far, and his form could be key against a Senegal side full of pace and power.

Spain complete Arsenal’s Round of 32 schedule when they face Austria in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Mikel Merino has featured in all three games so far, while disappointingly, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi are still waiting for their first taste of action.

Spain have landed in one of the toughest parts of the bracket. If they get past Austria, it’s Portugal or Croatia up next in the last 16.

When Arsenal’s players play next

Monday, June 29

Brazil: Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli vs Japan

Germany: Kai Havertz vs Paraguay

Tuesday, June 30

Norway: Martin Odegaard vs Ivory Coast

France: William Saliba vs Sweden: Viktor Gyokeres

Ecuador: Piero Hincapie vs Mexico

Wednesday, July 1

England: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Ebere Eze, Noni Madueke vs DR Congo

Belgium: Leandro Trossard vs Senegal

Thursday, July 2

Spain: Mikel Merino, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi vs Austria

Arsenal’s World Cup picture looks strong heading into the knockouts. Gabriel, Havertz, Odegaard, Hincapie, Trossard and Gyokeres have all played clear roles for their countries, while others could become more important as rotation, injuries and the flow of games start to shape the tournament.

The Round of 32 will guarantee at least one Arsenal exit, with Saliba’s France up against Gyokeres’ Sweden. Beyond that, Arsenal’s players are spread across several genuine contenders, from Brazil and England to Spain, France, Germany and Belgium.

The group stage kept all 15 Arsenal players in the hunt. Now the knockouts will show who can turn involvement into a real run at the final.