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William Saliba's World Cup exit explained by Didier Deschamps

2026-07-17 · William Saliba · Player Focus

William Saliba was forced off in France's 2026 World Cup semi-final against Spain after his back pain became unbearable, manager Didier Deschamps confirmed. The Arsenal defender had battled through injury for months before being substituted in the 30th minute of Tuesday's match.

What happened to William Saliba?

Saliba had been struggling with a back issue since March but continued playing for France. Deschamps revealed tests showed no worsening of his condition, though the pain had become too severe. The 25-year-old had been a key figure in France's defense throughout the tournament.

Why did Saliba play through pain?

The defender's resilience was evident as he pushed through discomfort to remain in France's lineup. Deschamps praised his determination, noting Saliba had been 'gritting his teeth' for weeks. However, the semi-final against Spain proved too much, forcing his early exit.

What's next for Saliba?

France faces England in the third-place playoff, but Saliba will not feature. Deschamps indicated the defender's recovery could take months, casting doubt on his immediate return to club duty with Arsenal. The injury adds to concerns about France's defensive options for future matches.

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