Mikel Merino, an Arsenal midfielder who recently returned from injury, was included in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad, which coach Luis de la Fuente revealed on Monday. For the first time in a World Cup, the Spain squad will not have a Real Madrid player; Dean Huijsen was benched and veteran Dani Carvajal was left out after an injury-plagued season.
Merino, a favourite of coach De la Fuente, made his first appearance since January in the Gunners’ last Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Sunday after suffering a foot injury. After successful seasons with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively, De La Fuente also called up defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill. Huijsen and Atletico’s Robin Le Normand were left out.
Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, who is in the team despite a season severely hampered by physical difficulties, was instrumental in helping Spain win Euro 2024 with adolescent Barça sensation Yamal. Yamal, 18, has been out since late April due to a hamstring injury he sustained with Barça, making him a doubt for the tournament’s opening games.
3 of Arsenal’s 5 Spaniards called up for World Cup
David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino of Arsenal will be happy to hear that they have been selected for the 2026 World Cup after Spain revealed their call-ups. Since both Raya and Zubimendi are regulars in Spain and have been healthy and available for Arsenal throughout this championship-winning season, their inclusion seemed more apparent.
Sadly, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera were left off of Monday’s final squad list, which was bad news for Arsenal players. During the 2019 European Championship qualifications, Kepa was Spain’s starting goalkeeper and appeared in practically every competitive game. He was also a member of the team in 2023, although he is no longer eligible for call-ups.
Given that he was a member of the Spain team in March, Mosquera had the more plausible expectation of being called up. However, the defender’s exclusion from the World Cup isn’t entirely shocking because that was his first appearance for his nation. As of right now, 14 Arsenal players have been called up for the World Cup, while two more are awaiting possible call-ups.
