How many Arsenal players have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup?
June 27, 2026 · Global
Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli helped Brazil secure a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup, while Ecuador faces elimination unless they win against Germany.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli helped Brazil claim top spot in their World Cup group on Wednesday evening, with the pair among five Arsenal internationals to make it through to the knockout stages. Brazil showed a dominant performance by beating Scotland 3-0, and this result put Steve Clarke's team in danger of being eliminated.
Gabriel Magalhaes started in the match and has featured in every minute of the tournament so far, helping his team to a second consecutive clean sheet. His Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Martinelli came on as a substitute for the final 24 minutes in his second appearance of the tournament.
With Brazil's win and other match results showing Morocco winning over Haiti, Brazil needed this win to top the group, so the two Gabriels became the second Arsenal players to top the group after Kai Havertz and Germany.
A total of five Arsenal internationals are confirmed to progress to the knockout stages, including France's William Lintasa and Norway's Martin Odegaard who have also been guaranteed to continue. Currently, none of Arsenal's 15 players have been knocked out, and several of the 10 whose fates are uncertain are in a good position to progress to the next stage.
Although it is not completely certain, Spain and England are very likely to qualify. With four points and as group leaders, they can almost certainly lose the final game and still progress. This will ensure Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, David Raya, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke also qualify, leaving only three players who still have uncertainty regarding their qualification.
Sweden and Viktor Gyokeres are still in a good position despite suffering a 5-1 defeat in the last match, as they still have three points, zero goal difference, and scored six goals. Any result against Japan will ensure they progress, and even a loss might still be enough as long as they don't lose by another four goals.
Belgium and Leandro Trossard cannot tolerate a loss to New Zealand, while a draw may be risky. However, if Egypt beats Iran, a draw is still enough to advance. A win will definitely see Belgium qualify, and it is hoped they will be able to achieve it.
On the other hand, Ecuador and Piero Hincapie are in the worst position among Arsenal's international players. They must win their final game against Germany, as any other result will send them home. The only hope is that Germany have already topped the group and don't have much at stake. However, if the team that has scored a tournament-high nine goals in two games turns up again on Thursday night, Ecuador will be in big trouble.