​Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images. Arsenal teammates Mikel Merino and William Saliba have played pivotal roles for their national teams at the World Cup so far. Merino has netted decisive goals for Spain against Portugal and Belgium, while Saliba has helped France ship four clean sheets across his five appearances. Yet only one of them can advance to the World Cup final, as Spain prepare to face France in the semi-final on Tuesday night.
In remarks to the Spanish media, Merino explained that he hasn’t spoken with Saliba during the World Cup, though the two have teased each other in the past about a potential international duel. “I haven’t spoken to him during the World Cup,” Merino said. “But I did speak to him at Arsenal before, back when I was playing as a striker. We had a few jokes about a possible duel someday.”
That moment may now be closer than ever, even though Merino didn’t initially expect to be on the World Cup stage at all. His long-term injury layoff at the start of 2026 made his path to this tournament especially challenging. He recalled the difficult period, describing a time when his foot was bruised, swollen, and painful, and he struggled to perform even simple tasks. “Two months without being able to put my foot on the ground. They felt incredibly long,” he shared. Reflecting on the journey, Merino added that simply being at the World Cup has intensified his appreciation, and his triumphs now feel even more meaningful.
Saliba, for his part, is expected to be fit for France on Tuesday, though he did miss a training session with the squad over the weekend as he adheres to a tailored regimen designed to protect a lingering back issue. France’s squad also includes David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, who are part of the group but have yet to feature at the tournament.
The two Arsenal teammates, who once joked about possibly facing one another in competition, now find themselves on opposite sides as Spain and France prepare to clash in a high-stakes World Cup semi-final. Merino’s form and goals have underlined Spain’s offensive threat, while Saliba’s defensive solidity has underpinned France’s strong defensive record this tournament.
In other transfer-related news, there has been ongoing speculation about Arsenal’s tactical options and potential signings. Crystal Palace have shown interest in Christian Norgaard, though the midfielder could choose to remain where he is for now. Additionally, a number of clubs are reportedly monitoring the availability of various players, including Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, who is drawing interest from Arsenal and Liverpool; sources indicate the price tag will be significant if negotiations proceed.
As the World Cup progresses, Merino’s and Saliba’s performances have not only highlighted their talents but also reinforced the strong link between Arsenal’s domestic campaign and the international stage. The semi-final matchup promises a captivating showdown, with Merino and Spain aiming to continue their run of form against Saliba and France, who seek another step toward securing the coveted trophy.