Three of Arsenal’s five Spanish internationals have been called up for the World Cup, including recent injury returner Mikel Merino.
Spain have announced their call-ups for the 2026 World Cup, and Arsenal trio David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino will all be pleased to learn they’ve made the cut.
Merino will be particularly happy to be involved, given his lengthy injury absence this season. The midfielder only returned to the pitch yesterday against Crystal Palace, but Spain have shown faith in him to be ready for their summer tournament.
Raya and Zubimendi were more obvious inclusions, as both are Spain regulars and have been fit and available for Arsenal throughout this title-winning season.
Unfortunately, Monday’s squad wasn’t all good news for Arsenal players, as Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera didn’t make the final squad list.
Kepa was once Spain’s starting goalkeeper, making the lineup for almost every competitive match during the European Championship qualifiers in 2019. He was also in the squad throughout 2023, but has since dropped out of contention for call-ups.
It’s not easy to be a Spanish goalkeeper right now, with Raya, Unai Simon, and Joan Garcia all very difficult to displace. At least one of those three keepers would surely make every international squad in world football, if they were eligible.
Mosquera had the more realistic hope for a call-up, having been in the Spain squad in March. But that was the defender’s debut appearance for his country, so it’s not completely surprising he’s been left out for the World Cup.
Arsenal have now had 14 players called up for the World Cup, with two more still waiting on potential call-ups.
Arsenal 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
World Cup squad announcement schedule
- May 27th – Netherlands
- June 1st – Ecuador