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Arsenal's 5 biggest winners from the World Cup so far

Which Arsenal players have impressed during the World Cup so far?
Ivory Coast  v Norway  -World Cup
Ivory Coast v Norway -World Cup | Soccrates Images/GettyImages

15 Arsenal players were called into World Cup squads by the various national teams, which is the most representatives the club have had at the tournament in 20 years. Four Gooners have so far scored in North America this summer, including Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres, albeit both headed home after miserable round of 32 defeats.

Plenty more members of Mikel Arteta's squad are still going strong at the World Cup, so here are the five who have enjoyed their time stateside the most.

Leandro Trossard: Belgium

Leandro Trossard Belgiu
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group G - New Zealand v Belgium - BC Place, Vancouver, Canada - June 26, 2026 Belgium's Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring their second goal IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Anne-Marie Sorvin TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Many fans would probably be pleased to see Leandro Trossard depart this summer, perennially linked with countless other clubs. However, his performances so far at this World Cup have just reminded everyone what he is capable of. He scored twice against New Zealand in the group phase, before bagging the last gasp assist against Senegal, providing an inch-perfect cross headed in by Youri Tielemans to save the Red Devils from elimination.

In general, Belgium have been very underwhelming this summer, so could very easily be knocked out by co-hosts USA on Monday. However, Trossard has been a rare shinning light, underlined by the fact that Rudi Garcia hooked Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne at 2-0 against Senegal, but kept the Arsenal man on the pitch. Well, this was entirely justified, considering his tally of 16 chances created is the most of any player of any nation at the tournament, so could this form enhance his chances of remaining an Arsenal player?

Noni Madueke: England

Noni Madueke England
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - England v Croatia - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - June 17, 2026 England's Noni Madueke reacts REUTERS/Hannah Mckay | REUTERS

Two Arsenal players are vying for the starting right-wing spot in the England squad, but the number of minutes both have enjoyed thus far is perhaps the opposite way round to what was expected. With Bukayo Saka still nursing an Achilles injury, Noni Madueke has started three of four matches so far, including Wednesday's come from behind victory over DR Congo in Atlanta.

Now, it is worth noting that England exponentially improved after Saka replaced Madueke, both goals coming following this and, in fairness, other changes were made. If you haven't seen any of Madueke's England performances, well they're very similar to what he produced at Arsenal last season; an electric dribbler, always looking a threat, but lacking end product. Nevertheless, if Thomas Tuchel's team do overcome Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday night and make a deep run, the 24 year old will continue to be a key figure.

Martin Ødegaard: Norway

Martin Odegaard Norwa
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Ivory Coast v Norway - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - June 30, 2026 Norway's Martin Odegaard plays the drum as the players do the Viking Row after the match as Norway qualify for the round of 16 stage of the World Cup IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Tim Heitman TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Inarguably, the Arsenal player who has been loving life at the World Cup more than any other is Martin Ødegaard. This is Norway's first major tournament for over a quarter of a century, but you would not know it, with Ståle Solbakken's side enjoying wins over Iraq, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire so far. By registering an assist in each of those matches, Ødegaard has become only the third man in World Cup history to record an assist in each of their first three World Cup appearances.

More than just this though, after victories, Ødegaard has been banging the drum and orchestrating the famous Viking Row celebration with players, supporters and coaching staff alike. After two injury disrupted season, it can only be good news for Arsenal fans to see a happy, fit and sharp Ødegaard.

Gabriel: Brazil

Gabriel Brazi
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group C - Brazil v Morocco - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - June 13, 2026 Brazil's Gabriel Magalhaes reacts IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Norway's next opponents in New Jersey on Sunday will be Brazil, meaning we will see the latest dual between Erling Braut Håland and Gabriel. The latter has been an every game starter for Brazil, taking his tally to just 21 caps, finally a key figure for the Seleção at the age of 28.

Carlo Ancelotti has seemingly spent the majority of the tournament searching for his best XI, a task not helped by injuries suffered by Raphinha and Lucas Paquetá. Nevertheless, Gabriel is one of the few names written in permanent marker and rightly so, considering he leads the tournament in progressive carries (31), as well as winning 20 of the 24 duels he has contested.

William Saliba: France

William Saliba France
Jun 30, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France defender William Saliba (17) and Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres (17) during a Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When literally answering the question "who will be Arsenal's biggest winner at the World Cup?", well the answer is surely William Saliba given that, in a fortnight's time, he might just be a World Cup winner. So far, les Bleus have won all four matches, scoring 13 goals, thereby seemingly unstoppable.

While Didier Deschamps' attacking stars are earning all the plaudits, and rightly so, the other six, more defensive players deserve credit too. Saliba was rested for the final group game against Norway, but will continue to partner Dayot Upamecano at the back and, with tougher tests to come, will be key to les Bleus' quest to reach a third World Cup Final in a row.

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