We started the tournament with 15 players dreaming of lifting the trophy in North America this summer, with only Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boasting more.

And all 15 Gunners still maintain those ambitions after seeing their sides safely navigate their way through the groups, and head into the knockout phase.

The first to try and punch their ticket to the last 16 will be Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, with Brazil set to face Japan on Monday in Houston after topping their group with seven points. Big Gabi started all three group games, while Martinelli has made two substitute appearances.

Later that night, Kai Havertz’s Germany will be looking to put their defeat to Ecuador behind them by facing South American opposition again when they tackle Paraguay in Foxborough. Kai has scored twice at the finals, having started all three games.

Tuesday’s action sees Martin Odegaard aim to lead Norway to success against the Ivory Coast, having sat out their final group game against France with a knockout spot already secured. 

The French are then in action later in the day when two Gunners collide, when William Saliba will do battle with Viktor Gyokeres in New Jersey. William was also rested against Norway, while Viktor has played every minute so far in helping his nation reach the last 32, scoring once.

After that, Piero Hincapie’s Ecuador will be looking to ride the feel-good factor of reaching this stage when they face co-host Mexico in the Azteca Stadium. The defender has started all three of his nation’s games, who stunned Germany by coming from behind to win and qualify.

On Wednesday evening, England are back in action when they face DR Congo in Atlanta. Bukayo Saka will be hoping to start once again after making an impact in their final group game against Panama, while Declan Rice should return after being rested in that game. Like Bukayo, Noni Madueke has played in all three matches, while Ebere Eze has made two appearances off the bench.

Next up are Belgium, who Leandro Trossard helped get out of the group courtesy of a brace in a 5-1 win against New Zealand to finish as leaders. That has set up a showdown with Senegal in Seattle, with Leo hoping to start his fourth game at this year’s tournament.

On Thursday, our Spanish trio will aim to get past Austria in Los Angeles to advance to a last-16 clash with either Portugal or Croatia. Mikel Merino has three appearances to his name, while Martin Zubimendi and David Raya are still awaiting their first minutes at the finals.

WHEN OUR STARS PLAY NEXT

all times UK

Monday, June 29

Brazil (Gabriel, Martinelli) v Japan

Houston | 6pm

Germany (Havertz) v Paraguay

Foxborough | 9.30pm

Tuesday, June 30

Norway (Odegaard) v Ivory Coast

Dallas | 6pm

France (Saliba) v Sweden (Gyokeres)

New York/New Jersey | 10pm

Wednesday, July 1

Mexico v Ecuador (Hincapie)

Mexico City | 2am

England (Saka, Rice, Eze, Madueke) v DR Congo

Atlanta | 5pm

Belgium (Trossard) v Senegal

Seattle | 9pm

Thursday, July 2

Spain (Merino, Raya, Zubimendi) v Austria

Los Angeles | 8pm