Spain’s 2-0 demolition of France in Dallas wasn’t just a statement from La Roja. It was a proud night for Arsenal Football Club, too.
Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and David Raya all featured in Spain’s squad as they booked their place in Sunday’s World Cup final. None of the three started the semi-final, but each has played a role in what’s been a stunning tournament run.
And now? They’re 90 minutes from returning to north London as world champions.
Merino: Spain’s Man for the Big Moments
If there’s one Arsenal player who’s defined Spain’s World Cup campaign, it’s Merino.
The 30-year-old has built a reputation as the ultimate impact sub. He scored the dramatic 88th-minute winner against Belgium in the quarter-final, pouncing on a goalkeeping error just three minutes after coming on. Before that, he’d already netted the stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the round of 16.
Sound familiar? It should. Merino did the same thing at Euro 2024, heading in a 119th-minute winner against Germany. FIFA’s own website described him as someone who “scores when it matters most,” noting he’s hit 10 goals in 23 Spain appearances since that night in Stuttgart.
His World Cup qualifying form was equally relentless. He bagged a hat-trick against Turkey in a 6-0 win and scored in both qualifiers against Bulgaria. Henry Winter of World Soccer called him “a devastating weapon for Spain.”
For Arteta, this kind of tournament pedigree is invaluable.
Zubimendi and Raya: The Quiet Contributors
Not every role in a World Cup squad grabs headlines. But depth and experience win tournaments.
Zubimendi, 27, is at his first senior World Cup. He brings 25 caps and three international goals into the squad. As a deep-lying playmaker, he offers Luis de la Fuente a tactical alternative to Rodri. He hasn’t started in the knockout rounds, but his presence gives Spain options few other sides can match.
Raya’s story is slightly different. The Arsenal number one has 12 senior Spain caps and won three consecutive Premier League Golden Glove awards. Unai Simon has held the starting spot throughout the tournament, but Raya’s experience as a sweeper-keeper comfortable with the ball at his feet makes him a trusted backup.
Both players were part of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 squad. They know what it takes to win a major tournament.
Saliba’s Injury Adds a Painful Twist
There’s a bittersweet angle for Arsenal fans here.
William Saliba was supposed to be the man standing between Spain and the final. Instead, France’s first-choice centre-back pulled up with a back injury after just 30 minutes and couldn’t continue.
The problem isn’t new. Get French Football News reported that Saliba had been carrying a back issue since the latter stages of the domestic season. He played through it to help Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.
During the group stage, Saliba admitted he wasn’t fully fit. NBC Sports confirmed he suffered what appeared to be a lower back injury. Goal.com reported that surgery could now be on the cards, with Saliba reportedly telling teammates his back “had gone.”
Arsenal fans will be watching that situation nervously. Pre-season is barely a month away.
Could Arsenal Dominate the Final?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Arsenal already have three players guaranteed to appear in Sunday’s final. But that number could climb significantly.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke are all in England’s squad for the other semi-final against Argentina. If England win, the World Cup final could feature up to seven Arsenal players across both sides.
Think about that for a second. Seven Gunners in a World Cup final. It’s a reflection of the squad depth Arteta has assembled during the club’s resurgence.
Spain will go into the showpiece at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as favourites, whoever they face. They’ve conceded just one goal in seven matches. Their only breach came against Belgium in the quarters. France managed just 0.3 xG from 10 shots, with only three on target.
For Merino, Zubimendi, and Raya, this is the biggest week of their careers. Win on Sunday, and they don’t just return to the Emirates as Arsenal players.
They return as world champions.
