At a Glance:
- The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday.
- 15 Arsenal players have been called up by their nations to take part in the tournament.
- Here’s how you can watch each of their group stage matches live in the UK.
The 2026 World Cup is about to kick off, and several Arsenal players are in North America, looking forward to representing their nations on football’s biggest stage.
The competition kicks off on Thursday night, when Mexico host South Africa in Mexico City. 103 more matches will follow this in the space of five-and-a-half weeks, in what is set to be the biggest international football tournament of all time.
After the Gunners enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season, 15 Arsenal players have been called up to their nations’ 26-man squads. With that said, here’s a look at the Arsenal players’ group stages fixtures and how you can watch them live in the UK.
England – Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze
Thomas Tuchel has named a quartet of Arsenal players in his England roster. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are likely to play key roles for the German, while Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze will support the starters from the bench.
The Three Lions have been drawn in Group L, where they will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
- 17/06/2026 – England vs Croatia (9pm) – ITV1
- 23/06/2026 – England vs Ghana (9pm) – BBC One
- 27/06/2026 – England vs Panama (10pm) – ITV1
Spain – Mikel Merino, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi
Luis de la Fuente has called three Gunners stars up to his Spain squad, with Cristhian Mosquera left out. Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino will battle the likes of Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz for midfield minutes, while David Raya anxiously awaits news about whether or not he’s done enough to usurp Unai Simon in between the sticks.
La Roja have been drawn in Group H, and will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
- 15/06/2026 – Spain vs Cape Verde (5pm) – ITV1
- 21/06/2026 – Spain vs Saudi Arabia (5pm) – BBC One
- 27/06/2026 – Spain vs Uruguay (1am) – ITV1
Brazil – Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli
Carlo Ancelotti has named both Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli in his Brazil squad. Gabriel is expected to start at the heart of the defence alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos, while Martinelli will likely fight for substitute minutes.
The Selecao have been drawn in Group C, alongside Scotland, Morocco and Haiti.
- 13/06/2026 – Brazil vs Morocco (11pm) – BBC One
- 20/06/2026 – Brazil vs Haiti (1:30am) – ITV1
- 24/06/2026 – Brazil vs Scotland (11pm) -BBC One
France – William Saliba
Didier Deschamps has confirmed that William Saliba should be fit to start for France. The Arsenal star is likely to partner Ibrahima Konate at the heart of the French defence.
Les Blues are in Group I, and will face Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
- 16/06/2026 – France vs Senegal (8pm) – BBC One
- 22/06/2026 – France vs Iraq (10pm) – BBC One
- 26/06/2026 – France vs Norway (8pm) – ITV1
Ecuador – Piero Hincapie
Sebastian Beccacece has called up Piero Hincapie for the Ecuadorian national team. The 24-year-old will make up part of a back four that includes Willian Pacho and Joel Ordonez.
La Tri are in Group E, and will play Germany, Ivory Coast and Curacao.
- 15/06/2026 – Ecuador vs Ivory Coast (12am) – BBC One
- 21/06/2026 – Ecuador vs Curacao (1am) – BBC One
- 25/06/2026 – Ecuador vs Germany (9pm) – BBC One
Noway – Martin Odegaard
Stale Solbakken has named Martin Odegaard in his Norway squad. The playmaker will captain the Scandinavian country at their first World Cup since 1998.
The Lions have been drawn in the Group of Death, which includes France, Senegal and Iraq.
- 16/06/2026 – Norway vs Iraq (11pm) – BBC One
- 23/06/2026 – Norway vs Senegal (1am) – ITV1
- 26/06/2026 – Norway vs France (8pm) – ITV1
Belgium – Leandro Trossard
Rudi Garcia has selected Leandro Trossard in his 26-man Belgium roster. The Premier League title-winner is likely to form a front three with Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku.
The Red Devils have a winnable group, as they take on Iran, Egypt and New Zealand in the first stage of the competition.
- 15/06/2026 – Belgium vs Egypt (8pm) – BBC One
- 21/06/2026 – Belgium vs Iran (8pm) – ITV1
- 27/06/2026 – Belgium vs New Zealand (4am) – BBC One
Sweden – Viktor Gyokeres
Graham Potter has called upon Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line for Sweden this summer. Gyokeres is likely to be deployed alongside Liverpool’s Alexander Isak.
The Blue and Yellow are in Group F, alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
- 15/06/2026 – Sweden vs Tunisia (3am) – ITV1
- 20/06/2026 – Sweden vs Netherlands (6pm) – BBC One
- 26/06/2026 – Sweden vs Japan (12am) – BBC Two
Germany – Kai Havertz
Julian Nagelsmann has called up Kai Havertz for Germany. Havertz is expected to start up front for the four-time winners, although he may be used in a deeper role from time to time, to accommodate Denis Undav.
- 14/06/2026 – Germany vs Curacao (6pm) – ITV1
- 20/06/2026 – Germany vs Ivory Coast (9pm) – ITV1
- 25/06/2026 – Germany vs Ecuador (9pm) – BBC One
