Arsenal 'wins' the World Cup again: Merino, Zubimendi and Raya
Third time that several Arsenal players become world champions. Spain beats Argentina 1-0; Merino decisive in the knockout phase, together with Zubimendi and Raya in the history books.
Arsenal 'wins' the World Cup again: Merino, Zubimendi and Raya
According to Sports.
Background
Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya have written themselves into the history books with their performances at the 2026 World Cup. Their contributions to Spain's victory not only cement their status as players, but also that of Arsenal as a club that develops talents who can perform at the highest level.
Why this matters
Spain's victory over Argentina marks an important milestone for Arsenal, which now has multiple players as world champions for the third time. This reinforces the club's reputation as a breeding ground for talent performing at the highest level, which could also impact the season outlook in the Premier League. The performances of Merino, Zubimendi and Raya could also have a positive impact on their club careers and expectations for the 2026 Football World Cup.
Key points
- Arsenal 'wins' the World Cup again: Merino, Zubimendi and Raya.
- Third time that several Arsenal players become world champions.
- Arsenal win the World Cup – again.
Arsenal can once again add a special World Cup tradition. After 1998 and 2014, several players from the London club have again won the world championship. This time it concerns Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya, who won the world title with Spain after a 1-0 win over Argentina. It's a familiar sight for Arsenal fans: when the World Cup goes up, Gunners are regularly on the podium.
The headline 'Arsenal wins the World Cup' became famous in the late 1990s when France won the world title in 1998. Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira were decisive forces in the French midfield and represented the club during that successful tournament. Thierry Henry and Robert Pirès were also part of the French squad, but they were not yet Arsenal players at the time. Yet 1998 was the first World Cup in which several active Arsenal players became world champions, after George Eastham's solo contribution in the English championship year of 1966.
In 2014, history repeated itself. Germany crowned world champions in Brazil with an Arsenal trio in the selection: Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Özil. There was also a later Gunner in the championship team at the time: Shkodran Mustafi would move to the Emirates Stadium a few years after that world title.
Today it happened again for Arsenal. Spain struck against Argentina in the final: 1-0. In the run-up to that apotheosis, Mikel Merino played a key role by scoring the winning goal twice in the knockout phase. Together with Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper David Raya, he will now receive a gold medal around his neck and a permanent place in World Cup history. For Arsenal, this means delivering multiple active players to win the world's biggest football tournament for the third time — a rare featcontinuity at top international level.
For the sake of completeness: the only other player who became world champion as a contract player for Arsenal without falling into the aforementioned series is Cesc Fàbregas in 2010. His global triumph with Spain caused mixed feelings at the time among some of the supporters, but did underline the global image of the club.
With the trio Merino, Zubimendi and Raya, Arsenal can once again boast World Cup gold within the selection. It is also a nod to a recurring pattern: after 1998 and 2014, another chapter follows in which the Emirates Stadium has close ties with world champions. Who knows, this title may lead to new champions finding their way to North London in the coming years. The fact is that Arsenal, more than many other clubs, has a striking footprint on the global stage of the 2026 World Cup - and that the honors list in red and white has been given another layer of gloss.
What's happening now
With this win, Merino, Zubimendi and Raya can return to Arsenal with a new boost of self-confidence. Their experience on the world stage will be crucial for the club in the coming Premier League seasons. The focus will now shift to their performances in the club competition and how they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where they could potentially play an important role again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina?
The score was 1-0 in favor of Spain.
Which Arsenal players won the World Cup with Spain?
The Arsenal players who won the World Cup with Spain are Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya.
How many times has Arsenal had players who became world champions?
Arsenal have now had players become world champions three times, in 1998, 2014 and now in 2026.
What is the impact of this victory on the Premier League standings?
The victory has no direct impact on the Premier League standings, but it strengthens Arsenal's reputation as a club with world champions.
What is Arsenal's next match after the World Cup?
Arsenal's next match after the World Cup is not yet specified in the article.
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