While Arsenal supporters are still coming to terms with the heartbreak of Saturday’s Champions League Final defeat, many of Mikel Arteta’s players have already moved on to their next challenge.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on 11 June, leaving Arsenal’s international stars with virtually no time to recover from a season that has already pushed them to their limits. FIFA’s expanded tournament begins less than two weeks after the final in Budapest, meaning many players are now swapping club colours for national team duty almost immediately.
For Arsenal’s England contingent, there has at least been a slight delay. The Three Lions had already begun their preparations in Florida before the Champions League Final, with players involved in Budapest joining up later than the rest of Thomas Tuchel’s squad. Young Gunner Ethan Nwaneri was already in camp as part of England’s preparations before the senior Arsenal stars arrived.
Arsenal Could Have One Of The Biggest World Cup Representations
According to Arsenal‘s official list of call-ups, the Gunners will have players spread across numerous nations at this summer’s tournament. David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are with Spain, Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli are with Brazil, William Saliba represents France, Martin Ødegaard captains Norway, Kai Havertz joins Germany, while Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke are part of England’s squad.
That is before considering players such as Jurrien Timber and others who are also expected to feature for their respective nations. Arsenal could have well over a dozen representatives across the tournament.
For supporters, it is another reminder of how far the club has come. The best teams produce international players, and Arsenal are now packed with them.
A Huge Test For Arteta Next Season
Yet there is another side to the story.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel and several others have just completed one of the most demanding seasons of their careers. Arsenal won the Premier League, reached the Champions League Final and played deep into every major competition.
Some players were still battling through 120 exhausting minutes in Budapest on Saturday night. Less than two weeks later, the World Cup begins.
The physical and mental demands are enormous.
That is why Arsenal’s squad depth could become even more important next season. Arteta will hope his players enjoy successful tournaments, but he will also be hoping they return healthy.
Because while the World Cup may be the focus today, Arsenal’s quest to defend their Premier League title and go one step further in Europe will begin again sooner than anyone thinks.
Do you think Arsenal’s international stars are being asked to play too much football, Gooners, or is this simply the price of success?_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
Footballers get the same annual holiday entitlement, 5 weeks, as the rest of us mere mortals, normally to be taken during the summer months close season, but tournaments usually infringe on that, especially for players who get to the later stages, so their leave has to be staggered throughout the rest of the year, which is not ideal. Perhaps some agree to take pay in lieu of leave.
I think the toll – physical and mental – is a problem for players across a lot of sports now, from constant year round schedules. And 63 game season, expanded World Cup, another 63 game season, I do see as a problem for us.
The club World Cup last year was rubbish, in the money you get for playing in it out of proportion for the medals being equivalent of a Blue Peter badge. It was no problem for PSG playing in a farmers league where their league schedule is changed and shaped around their Euro commitments, but didn’t help Chelsea and Man City giving players summer break and competing in Premiership. In farming you listen to nature, and leave fallow periods for everything to recover. This World Cup expanded to create unnecessary last 32 knock out round, with zero thought of player welfare. The gangsters in control of football only interested in megabucks from the likes of Pepsi.
I can’t even drink Pepsi, cheap and ganky rip off of proper Cola.
Arfrican Cola is the best, they use different ingredients.
From what I’m reading, Saliba has aggravated his back injury playing the 120 in Budapest and is expected to miss some if not all of the World Cup. Scans are scheduled for today.
Bruised Banana,
Although I hope for Saliba’s sake he makes a speedy recovery. From an Arsenal point of view, I wouldn’t mind seeing players miss the world cup if it means they are ready for Arenal’s games come the start of next season. A bit selfish I know, but in truth International football doesn’t really interest me that much If I’m honest.
Derek, while it may not interest you, for a professional sports person representing your country is the highest honour, especially at a international tournament.
Herr Drier,
I realize players want to represent their respective country’s. But just from my point of view, I personally won’t be sorry to see them knocked out early if it benefits our team.
Although I don’t mind watching the odd international, they don’t really float my boat to be honest.
That said, once the world cup gets to the knock out stage it does gain my attention a bit more.
Under FIFA rules, once a country is knocked out of the World Cup, their players have to have 21 days rest.
That’s interesting Mr Herr. How’s that enforced?
So Dereks right then? Soon as they are all knocked, they can start resting up ahead of the new Arsenal season?
Moon Moon, not sure how it’s enforced, but Martin O’Neil mentioned on TV during the 2014 World Cup.
Nothing wrong with your memory, Mr Herr.
So Derek and Aaron right then. There is fear for Arsenal performance from jaded and tired through the coming season.
Arsenal first – World Cup fun second? Bring them home ASAP?
Yes Moon Moon, my memory seems to be fine.
Same tiredness, if there is any, will apply to other teams.
They won’t and it will be more than likely the players performance in the league falls off a cliff next year.