Report: France's William Saliba could miss World Cup

Field Level Media|published: Mon 1st June, 12:33 2026

William Saliba speaks to the media during Arsenal Media Open Day on May 21, 2026.

Arsenal defender William Saliba is "very doubtful" for France's World Cup opener due to a back injury, ESPN reported Monday.

The 25-year-old center-back will undergo scans Monday to determine the extent of his injury, but the fear is he could miss the entire tournament in North America, per the report.

Saliba played in 50 of Arsenal's 63 games across all competitions this season, helping the Gunners win the Premier League title. He injured his back in May and did not play in Saturday's Champions League final loss against Paris Saint-Germain.

Saliba has earned 31 caps with France, including appearances in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 European Championships.

France is ranked No. 1 in the world and is competing in Group I at the World Cup. France opens against Senegal on June 16 in East Rutherford, N.J., before facing Iraq on June 22 in Philadelphia and Norway on June 26 in Foxborough, Mass.

The other defenders on France's 26-man roster are Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix and Dayot Upamecano.

--Field Level Media

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