Mikel Merino came off the bench as Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta on Sunday, before Leandro Trossard’s Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Los Angeles.
The two Arsenal players were involved on day 11 of the 2026 World Cup, with Merino getting minutes as Spain responded emphatically to their opening Group H draw with Cape Verde. Arsenal’s official schedule had listed David Raya, Merino and Martin Zubimendi for Spain’s meeting with Saudi Arabia, while Trossard was part of Belgium’s Group G clash with Iran.
Spain’s result was the sharper Arsenal takeaway, because Luis de la Fuente’s side needed a reaction after a frustrating start to the tournament. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring, Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice and a second-half own goal completed a commanding win that moved Spain back onto firmer ground in Group H.
Arsenal Pair Face Different World Cup Moods
Merino’s minutes matter because they keep him involved in competitive rhythm during a tournament that can quickly shape confidence and sharpness. Raya and Zubimendi were unused, but Spain’s convincing response still gives Arsenal supporters a positive Spanish subplot to follow.
Belgium’s evening was far more awkward, with Trossard starting in a game where Iran frustrated Belgium and goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand impressed. Nathan Ngoy’s red card left the Red Devils managing the final stages with 10 men, and the 0-0 result means Belgium still have work to do in Group G.
ReadArsenal has already followed how Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino featured in Arsenal’s earlier World Cup draw-heavy matchday, and Sunday gave supporters another useful snapshot. Merino now has fresh competitive minutes, while Trossard’s full involvement keeps his rhythm high before Belgium’s final group fixture.
For Arsenal, this was not a dramatic World Cup day, but it was still a useful one to log. Merino’s Spain moved in the right direction, Trossard remained central for Belgium, and the club’s player tracker continues to carry meaningful pre-season context.
