Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final didn’t just crown a new champion. It handed Arsenal three players who now know what it feels like to lift football’s ultimate prize.
David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino were all part of Luis de la Fuente’s squad at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. And when Ferran Torres fired home 39 seconds into the second half of extra time, the trio became World Cup winners.
For Mikel Arteta, that’s three reigning world champions heading back to London Colney ahead of a title defence. Not bad, is it?
Spain’s Dominant Run to Glory
Spain weren’t just good at this tournament. They were suffocating.
De la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal across the entire competition, becoming the first World Cup winners to do so. Argentina managed a mere two shots and just 0.20 expected goals across 120 minutes in the final. Emiliano Martinez made 11 saves — a record for a men’s World Cup final — but even that wasn’t enough.
Spain dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and shut Argentina out almost entirely. It took extra time, but there was never much doubt about which team deserved the trophy.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged as much after the match. “It really hurts in our soul not being able to take the trophy with us,” he said. It was likely the final World Cup appearance for Lionel Messi, whose legendary career couldn’t produce one more miracle.
What Each Arsenal Player Brings Back
Each of the three Gunners played a different role in Spain’s campaign. And each one returns to north London with something to prove — and something gained.
- Raya was Spain’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Unai Simon and Barcelona’s Joan Garcia. He didn’t start a single match. Still, the 30-year-old collected a winners’ medal after a season where he kept 19 Premier League clean sheets and won his third consecutive Golden Glove. That’s a player at the peak of his powers, medal or not.
- Zubimendi’s story might be the most compelling. He joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for €70 million in July 2025, made 48 appearances in his debut season, and played down Real Madrid’s interest in April. Now he’s a World Cup winner before his second Premier League campaign even begins. His composure in possession and tactical intelligence were exactly what Spain needed in midfield.
- Merino stole the show. He scored dramatic late winners against Portugal and Belgium in the knockout rounds — both times as a substitute. Sky Sports reported that he became the first player in World Cup history to score match-winning goals in separate knockout games from the bench. De la Fuente didn’t hold back in his praise: “He’s world-class. Mikel never disappoints. He’s a safe bet.”
Merino himself seemed almost stunned. “It’s truly incredible. I don’t really know what to say,” he said after the Belgium win. “If it happens to you it’s because you’re prepared for when you go out.”
Why This Matters for Arsenal’s 2026/27 Campaign
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season. They also reached the Champions League final, losing narrowly. The ambition hasn’t dimmed — if anything, it’s sharpened.
Having three World Cup winners in the squad adds something that doesn’t show up on a stats sheet. Confidence. Belief. The ability to stay calm when it matters most. That’s the kind of mentality that separates good teams from great ones.
Arteta knows this. He built a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Zubimendi’s arrival last summer was a statement signing, and his performances at the World Cup validated the decision. Merino’s versatility — he’s played as a midfielder, a No. 8, and even an emergency striker for Arsenal — gives Arteta options few managers enjoy.
And Raya? He’ll keep doing what he does best. Stopping everything.
The real question now is whether Arsenal can channel this momentum. Three players return from the United States carrying the biggest prize in world football. They’ve tasted glory at the highest level. Can they replicate it at club level?
The 2026/27 season will tell us. But right now, the signs look very promising for everyone at the Emirates.
