At a Glance:
- One player could be in with a chance at a Ballon d’Or.
- Another needs to succeed or risk losing his captaincy.
- A third could leave Arsenal in the summer for a decent fee if he performs.
With the 2026 World Cup coming up soon, many Arsenal players will head to the United States with something to prove.
Declan Rice will play in a starring role for England as well as being vice-captain, while Gabriel Martinelli’s inclusion in the Brazil squad highlights his meteoric rise in the game of football.
Meanwhile, William Saliba’s injury scare for France might mean his role as a starter is in doubt, and David Raya will be looking to be the starting goalkeeper in the Spanish national team.
But which Arsenal players have the most to prove at the World Cup?
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If Declan Rice wins the tournament with England, Ballon d’Or shouts could come his way
Declan Rice will be one of Thomas Tuchel’s most important players within the German coach’s England side, with the 27-year-old expected to start in a midfield three alongside Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham.
If England are able to get to the final and win the tournament, this could mean that Rice is both a Premier League champion and now an international tournament winner too. Back in 2021, Jorginho won the Champions League with Chelsea and the Euros with Italy, which saw him place third in the Ballon D’Or race.
Rice doing the same might mean he is in with a chance at winning the prestigious award, too.
Martin Odegaard must prove himself with Norway
Norway’s perenial struggle to establish theirselves on the international scene combined with Martin Odegaard’s ongoing issues as Arsenal captain mean that this is a crucial tournament for both player and country.
Odegaard is also captain for his national team, and if Norway are unable to get out of Group I—which is a tough group, featuring both France and Senegal—it could hurt the Norwegian’s reputation even further.
Leandro Trossard could get a big move if he impresses with Belgium
Leandro Trossard will most likely start as part of Belgium’s front three alongside Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere, and the 31-year-old’s Arsenal future is in doubt regardless of how he performs.
However, if Trossard has a strong tournament with Belgium, and chooses to part ways with Arsenal in the summer given the club’s plans to sign a new star left-winger, Mikel Arteta and the board may be able to receive an elevated fee for him.
