Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the modern footballing world, and it continues to supply national sides around the world, many of whom have an incredible influence in major tournaments. In the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, many members of the current Arsenal squad are expected to represent their respective teams on the international stage.
The North London club are currently fielding one of their greatest sides in modern football, with the Gunners challenging for some of the biggest trophies available, making them one of the favourites to win the Premier League, according to football odds. Arsenal is a squad composed of incredible youth talents, many of whom are supplied through the Hale End Academy, as well as others brought in through smart business moves. Additionally, there are experienced Arsenal players expected to play important roles for their national sides.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players to come out of the Arsenal academy setup in recent years, and has evolved into one of the best wingers in world football. Operating on the right wing, Bukayo Saka has become one of Arsenal and England’s focal points when it comes to the attack, showcasing impressive pace and end product. Saka is a left-footed right winger who likes to invert, driving infield with the ball to create chances for his attacking counterparts or to create shooting angles for himself. In recent years, Saka’s game has become more refined and more consistent, which has helped Arsenal’s growth in the Premier League.
For England on the international stage, Bukayo Saka has become one of the most featured players in recent major competitions, serving as the starting right-winger. Saka has performed well across multiple major tournaments, excelling in pressurised moments, making him an essential player for England in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. In the 2020 Euros, Saka missed an important penalty for England, which he had put past him, showcasing his resilience. Pairing with the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in the England attack, Saka and his counterparts will be attempting to win England’s first trophy in 60 years.
Declan Rice
After breaking the club transfer record after joining for a fee reported to be an initial £100m, Declan Rice has impressed. Upon joining the North London giants, many were dubious about the signing of Declan Rice, a doubt that has since been lifted. Rice joined the club in the summer of 2023 and has propelled his career into new heights, with him becoming one of the best midfielders in the world. Upon joining Arsenal, Rice was expected to play as a defensive midfielder for the club, although Arteta has deployed him in the ‘8’, with his ball-carrying ability being incredibly useful. Rice has become important for Arsenal in their latest Premier League campaign, being part of what is undoubtedly Arsenal’s best season in recent years.
Similar to Saka, Rice has become part of the furniture for the England national team, becoming a vital part of the midfield. His England career began amid doubts, as he switched allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to join the England setup under Gareth Southgate. Since his debut in 2019, Rice has been integral to England, playing in every game of Euro 2020, Euro 2024, and the 2022 World Cup.
Gabriel
Despite joining the club in 2020, Gabriel’s game has been elevated to a catastrophic level in recent years, with the 2025/26 campaign being his best to date. The 28-year-old central defender has been part of Arsenal’s incredible defence, which has seen the club concede the fewest goals in the Premier League. Gabriel is a physical monster at the heart of the Arsenal defence, with the strength to make all attackers have a challenging day. As modern football demands have changed the role of the centre back, this has aided in Gabriel’s career, possessing incredible technical ability and calmness on the ball. Whilst his main priority is to defend, Gabriel has also been instrumental in Arsenal’s attack, initiating attacks through the defence and scoring from numerous set pieces.
Gabriel is expected to line up for the infamous Brazil in the 2026 World Cup, attempting to extend the nation’s record with a 6th World Cup triumph. In recent times, Brazil have been a shadow of their former self in the World Cup, with them yet to reach the final since their latest triumph in 2002. For the upcoming campaign, Brazil are expected to be one of the main challengers in the competition, with their fluid attack as a core strength. If they were to succeed, a large part of it would be down to the defence and Gabriel, with the knockout style format requiring incredible solidity at the back. Gabriel made his debut for Brazil in 2023 and has since become an established figure in the squad.