Arsenal players secure passage to World Cup last 16 – who will they face next?
All of Arsenal's players have managed to reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, with exciting matches lined up in the coming days, including Ecuador's still-undecided clash against Mexico or the winners of Group K.
On Friday night, the last doubts surrounding Arsenal's players at the 2026 World Cup were resolved. Leandro Trossard secured Belgium's victory over New Zealand, taking his team to the next stage, while Spain stood out by beating Uruguay and securing top spot in the group. England also advanced, depending on the results of other games. With a win and a draw in the first two matches, the worst-case scenario for England would be to lose in the last match against Panama, already eliminated, and finish in third place. Even so, the English team would have a chance of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
In addition to Belgium, Brazil, Germany and France advanced as leaders of their groups, while Norway qualified as vice-leader. Ecuador and Sweden also advanced as third placed. Now the question remains: who will all these teams face in the round of 16?
Arsenal's Brazilian players will debut on June 29th, facing Japan. Germany will then play against Paraguay on the same day. The following day, Norway will face Ivory Coast, before a clash between Arsenal players, when France will play against Sweden. Belgium will face the third placed team in Group A, I or J on July 1st, which could be South Korea, Senegal or Austria/Algeria, depending on the final results of the groups. Spain will play against the runner-up of Group J on July 2nd, which could be Austria or Algeria. Ecuador will face Mexico on June 30 or the winner of Group K (Colombia or Portugal) on July 3, and the uncertainty over the date of their next game is a reward for finishing third in the group.
Finally, the situation of England's opponents is even more uncertain, as their final position in the group is not yet known. If England wins the group, they will face the third-placed team from Group I, J or K (Senegal, Austria/Algeria, or Portugal/D.R. Congo/Uzbekistan). If they come second, they will play against the runner-up in Group K (Colombia, Portugal or D.R. Congo). And if they finish third, they will face the winner of Group K (Colombia or Portugal). In total, this means England could face Senegal, Austria, Algeria, Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan or Colombia. All these uncertainties will be resolved by Sunday morning.
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