Sofia Quijada
Spain have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Arsenal trio David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino all making the cut. The announcement confirms three of the club’s five Spanish internationals will feature in the summer tournament.
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Merino will be particularly relieved by his inclusion. The midfielder endured a lengthy injury absence this season and only returned to the pitch against Crystal Palace the day before the announcement. Spain have backed him to be fit and ready for the tournament.
Raya and Zubimendi were expected selections. Both are established regulars in the Spain setup and remained fit and available to Arsenal throughout a title-winning domestic season.
The squad announcement was not positive news for all Arsenal players involved. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera did not make the final list.
Kepa was once Spain‘s first-choice goalkeeper, starting nearly every competitive fixture during the European Championship qualifiers in 2019 and remaining in the squad through 2023. The current depth in that position tells the story: Raya, Unai Simon, and Joan Garcia form one of the most competitive goalkeeper groups in international football, and any one of those three would likely walk into most national squads.
Mosquera had a more credible case for selection, having been part of the Spain squad in March. That was his debut appearance at international level, so his omission from a World Cup squad at this stage of his career carries less weight as a slight and more as a matter of timing.
With Spain‘s announcement confirmed, Arsenal now have 14 players called up for the 2026 World Cup, with two further selections still pending.
Arsenal’s 2026 World Cup Call-Ups
- Sweden – Viktor Gyokeres
- France – William Saliba
- Belgium – Leandro Trossard
- Brazil – Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli
- Germany – Kai Havertz
- Norway – Martin Odegaard
- England – Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke
- Spain – David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino
Upcoming World Cup Squad Announcements
- May 27th – Netherlands
- June 1st – Ecuador
Stay with TipsGG for full coverage of every squad announcement, World Cup betting tips, and match previews as the tournament approaches.