Only 16 teams remain at the 2026 World Cup, and incredibly we still have 12 Gunners all in with a chance of glory over the next fortnight.
Having started the tournament with 15 representatives, only three were eliminated in the round of 32, and now the action really gets interesting as everyone aims for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Our interest begins on Saturday, when William Saliba’s France will look to continue their impressive form in their game against Paraguay. That fixture in Philadelphia could be played in a 38-degree heatwave, but Willo and his Les Bleus have been red-hot in the tournament so far, with no one outscoring their 13 goals so far.
William has started three of their four games so far, having been rested for their final group game against Norway. That was the same for Martin Odegaard, who has since led his nation into the last 16 by beating the Ivory Coast.
Now he’ll come face-to-face with two Gunners when the Scandinavian side face Brazil in New Jersey, ensuring there will be Arsenal representation in the quarter-finals.
The five-time winners made it this far thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late, late goal to edge past Japan. Gabriel is likely to line up in the Selecao backline once again, having played every minute so far, while our winger has made three substitute appearances.
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That game will take place on Sunday, followed by England’s huge clash against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka have played in all four games so far, while Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze have featured three times in North America.
Our quartet will be hoping to help their side into the quarters by beating a side who have lost only two out of 89 competitive games at the Azteca Stadium since it opened in 1966.
On Monday, Spain will face Portugal in Dallas in another eye-catching match-up. Mikel Merino will hope to be involved again, having featured in all their matches so far, while Martin Zubimendi and David Raya are still awaiting their first minutes of the tournament.
Then later that night, Leandro Trossard’s Belgium will also be in action against one of the co-hosts, when they’ll tackle the USA in Seattle.
After their extraordinary comeback to beat Senegal, the Red Devils will hope to use that momentum against the Americans, who will be without former Gunner and main marksman Folarin Balogun due to suspension.
OUR GUNNERS IN THE LAST 16
all times UK
Saturday, July 4
Paraguay v France (Saliba)
Philadelphia | 8pm
Sunday, July 5
Brazil (Martinelli, Gabriel) v Norway (Odegaard)
New Jersey | 9pm
Monday, July 6
Mexico v England (Saka, Rice, Madueke, Eze)
Mexico City | 1am
Portugal v Spain (Merino, Zubimendi, Raya)
Dallas | 8pm
Tuesday, July 7
USA v Belgium (Trossard)
Seattle | 1am
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