​Mikel Merino narrowly avoided missing the 2026 World Cup after an injury sustained during Arsenal’s closing weeks of the season threatened his spot in the Spain squad. He recovered in time, though, and earned his place at the tournament, ready to contribute on Spain’s big stage. Merino had been a pivotal figure in Spain’s qualification campaign, helping steer the team toward the finals with crucial performances along the way. It would have been a bitter blow to his morale and his team if his hard work had gone unrewarded, but Spain showed patience during his recovery and included him once he was fit enough to return to action.
Across the season, Merino continued to demonstrate why he is regarded as a cornerstone for both club and country. He came off the bench to net the decisive goal as La Roja defeated Portugal, a strike that not only clinched victory but also eliminated Portugal from the tournament, confirming Spain’s advancement to the knockout stages. With their place secured, Spain pressed on in pursuit of the trophy.
Merino is expected to keep earning opportunities throughout the competition, consistently proving that he can influence matches when called upon. His latest contribution underscored his value to the national team and reinforced why he remains a critical component of Spain’s plans.
Regarding the near-miss for the World Cup, Merino described the experience as profoundly emotional. Speaking to Hayters, he reflected: “It was such a huge relief. Just a few months ago, being here was unthinkable because of the injury, and now here I am, as I said before, at the very top, enjoying one of the happiest moments of my career. I remember all those tough times, all the people who supported me, everyone who kept pushing me forward even when I’d lost faith in myself. Sometimes I found it hard to believe I could be here, and every day of hard work, every moment of doubt, has been worth it. Now it all makes sense.”
Merino now hopes to create more memorable moments for Spain before returning to Arsenal after the tournament. He remains a galvanizing presence for the national team, and his continued impact could prove pivotal as Spain navigate the rest of the competition and push toward lifting the trophy later this year.