Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and David Raya are world champions after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 following extra time in New Jersey.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute, converting after Nico Williams headed the ball into his path inside the penalty area.
Argentina had been reduced to 10 players shortly before extra time when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card.
Spain controlled much of the final but were repeatedly denied by Emiliano Martínez before Torres eventually broke the deadlock. The victory secured their second men’s World Cup and first since 2010.
Zubimendi, Merino and Raya were all named among Luis de la Fuente’s substitutes for the final.
Arsenal stars complete historic double
Merino played the largest role of the three Arsenal players during Spain’s tournament.
The midfielder made several substitute appearances and scored the decisive late goal against Belgium in the quarter-finals. He then collected his 50th international cap during Spain’s semi-final victory over France.
Zubimendi provided experienced midfield cover throughout the competition, while Raya served as deputy to first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simón.
ReadArsenal previously covered how the three Gunners reached the World Cup final after Spain defeated William Saliba’s France 2-0 in the last four.
Their victory also places them in a rare group of players to win the Premier League and World Cup during the same year. Before the final, only Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Benjamin Mendy and Julián Álvarez had achieved the double. TalkSPORT highlighted the historic opportunity before kick-off.
Zubimendi, Merino and Raya will now return to Arsenal as Premier League and world champions after completing an unforgettable season for club and country.
