France D William Saliba departs with injury, replaced by Maxence LaCroix

Field Level Media|published: Tue 14th July, 16:27 2026

Jul 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; France defender William Saliba (17) in action against Paraguay during a Round of 16 match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

France defender William Saliba departed in the first half of Tuesday's World Cup semifinal against Spain at Arlington, Texas, with an undisclosed injury.

Saliba sat down near midfield in the 28th minute while taking possession of the ball and was unable to continue. The Arsenal player has struggled with back issues for the past three years.

Saliba was replaced by Maxence Lacroix in the 30th minute.

The injury came shortly after Spain took a 1-0 lead on a goal from the penalty spot by Mikel Oyarzabal. The penalty was awarded when France defender Lucas Digne committed a foul on Spain forward Lamine Yamal.

Spain added a goal in the 58th minute, scored by Pedro Porro.

The winner of Tuesday's semifinal advanced to Sunday's World Cup Final at East Rutherford, N.J., against the winner of Wednesday's semifinal match between Argentina and England.

--Field Level Media

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