With eight of Mikel Arteta’s squad making it to the last four, Arsenal are certain to have at least one player in the 2026 World Cup final.
William Saliba lines up for France against a Spain side featuring David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, so a Gunner is guaranteed to reach the final from the first semi-final.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke will hope to join them when England take on holders Argentina the following night.
It means Arsenal have players involved in both semi-finals, with more still in the tournament than any other Premier League side.
France: William Saliba
France booked their place with a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco, extending an impressive defensive run through the knockout phase.
Saliba has been part of a side yet to concede in any of their knockout games and now stands one win away from helping France reach a third successive World Cup final.
The Arsenal defender has been at the heart of a back line which has given Didier Deschamps’ side the platform to progress through the tournament.
He will now come up against three club teammates when France face Spain for a place in the final.
Spain: David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi
Spain’s run has brought together three Arsenal teammates from across the pitch.
Merino has played a decisive role despite largely being used from the bench. He scored in the first minute of stoppage time to eliminate Portugal in the round of 16, then struck again only two minutes after coming on against Belgium, sending Spain into the semi-finals with an 88th-minute winner.
Mikel Merino cemented his super-sub status, delivering a dramatic winner to shatter Belgian hearts and propel Luis de la Fuente’s relentless side into the World Cup final four.roundtable.ioSpain 2-1 Belgium: Another Late Merino Goal Sees Spain Through To Semi-Finals
Mikel Merino cemented his super-sub status, delivering a dramatic winner to shatter Belgian hearts and propel Luis de la Fuente’s relentless side into the World Cup final four.
Raya and Zubimendi, meanwhile, are still waiting for their first appearances of the tournament.
Unai Simón has played every minute in goal, while Spain’s established midfield combinations have left Zubimendi unused despite his place in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
Both will have two more opportunities to make their World Cup debuts, with Spain guaranteed either the final or third-place play-off after facing France.
England: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke
Thomas Tuchel’s side came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time.
Saka and Eze were brought on in the second half as England chased a way back, while Rice started the quarter-final before being forced off at half-time after illness in the build-up.
Madueke also made the starting XI.
England must now find a way past Argentina to reach their first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
Lionel Scaloni’s side reached the last four by beating Switzerland and remain on track to defend the trophy they lifted in Qatar.
The semi-final gives Saka, Rice, Eze and Madueke the chance to ensure Arsenal are represented on both sides of the final.
Arsenal are guaranteed further World Cup involvement.
Even if England miss out, Arsenal will still have players in the third-place play-off. All eight are guaranteed at least one more game at the tournament.
Their World Cup runs will delay their return to Arsenal as the new domestic season approaches.
The third-place play-off is set for July 18, with the final a day later. That leaves little time before Arteta’s squad return to club action, especially for those going the distance.
For now, though, club matters are on hold.
With Saliba up against Raya, Merino and Zubimendi, and Saka, Rice, Eze and Madueke preparing to meet Argentina, Arsenal’s influence will be felt right across the semi-finals.