Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya are through to the World Cup final after Spain defeated France 2-0 in Dallas.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro completed the victory during the second half.
The result takes Spain into their first men’s World Cup final since winning the competition in 2010. They will face either England or Argentina on Sunday.
Arsenal congratulated their Spanish trio after the final whistle, with Merino, Zubimendi and Raya now one victory away from lifting the biggest trophy in international football.
Arsenal trio one win from World Cup glory
None of the three Arsenal players started the semi-final, but all have played a part in Spain’s run through the tournament.
Merino has provided the most decisive contribution. The midfielder scored Spain’s late winner against Belgium in the quarter-final after also making an impact earlier in the knockout stages.
Zubimendi and Raya have provided experienced depth in Luis de la Fuente’s squad as Spain extended their unbeaten competitive run with another controlled performance.
The trio had been scheduled to face Arsenal team-mate William Saliba, although the France defender was forced off through injury after 30 minutes.
ReadArsenal had previewed the meeting between Saliba and Arsenal’s three Spanish internationals before Spain secured their place in the final.
France struggled to create clear chances after falling behind, while Spain controlled long periods and protected another clean sheet. The victory was confirmed by The Guardian’s match report.
Arsenal will now have at least three representatives in Sunday’s final. That number could increase significantly if England defeat Argentina, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke still involved.
For Merino, Zubimendi and Raya, attention now turns to one final match and the opportunity to return to north London as world champions.
