The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost upon us, and Gunners around the globe are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting tournament. With the shortest gap between World Cups in history, the 23rd edition is set to be a spectacle, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and taking place across Mexico, Canada, and the USA. As an Arsenal fan, there's plenty to keep an eye on, from clubmates representing their nations to former Gunners making their mark on the global stage.
Clubmate Clashes and Familiar Venues
One of the most anticipated matches involves Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and his Norwegian team facing off against William Saliba's France in Group I. This clash, set for June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Boston, could have significant implications for group progression. Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie's Ecuador and Kai Havertz's Germany will meet in Group E, with both players in fine form leading up to the tournament. These matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The tournament also brings familiar surroundings for Gunners. The MetLife Stadium, where the final will be held on July 19, is one of the venues where Arsenal has played during its tours of America in 2023 and 2024. The SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the site of Arsenal's 5-3 victory over Barcelona in 2023, will host the USA's opening match against Paraguay.
Former Gunners on the World Stage
Several former Gunners are set to make their mark at the World Cup. Saed Kolasinac, returning to the tournament after 12 years, will face co-hosts Canada with Bosnia. Granit Xhaka, another former Gunner, will represent Switzerland in Group B, alongside 2022 hosts Qatar. Folarin Balogun, leading the line for the USA in Group D, will face Paraguay, Turkiye, and Australia, with Mat Ryan, a former Gunner, in goal for Australia.
In Group F, Viktor Gyokeres and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both former Gunners, will represent Sweden and Japan, respectively. Kieran Tierney, who departed with a goal in his final game for Arsenal in 2025, will play for Scotland, joining Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes' Brazil in Group C. Nicolas Pepe, a former Gunner, will represent the Ivory Coast, who are slotted into a group with Ecuador and Germany.
Familiar Faces in the Commentary Box
Gunners fans will be familiar with several ex-players in the commentary box and punditry roles. Former Arsenal player Alex Scott will be a presenter for the BBC, joined by former teammate Ellen White as a pundit in North America. Other former Gunners on the BBC include Gael Clichy, Olivier Giroud, and Martin Keown. On ITV, Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira, and Karen Carney will provide punditry, with Lee Dixon in the commentary booth.
Joining the Arsenal Roll of Honour
All 15 Gunners participating in the tournament will aim to reach the final at MetLife Stadium and add their names to Arsenal's World Cup roll of honour. Seven players have returned to the club as world champions, starting with George Eastham in 1966. Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira were the first Gunners to play in a final in 1998, with Petit scoring the winning goal. Cesc Fabregas became the first home-grown victor in 2010, followed by a hat-trick of gold medallists in 2014 (Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker, and Lukas Podolski).
As the tournament unfolds, Gunners fans will eagerly follow their clubmates' journeys, hoping to see more players add their names to this prestigious list.
