William Saliba plays through back pain at World Cup for France
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 9:05 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
William Saliba of France is playing with a back problem during the World Cup, stating he is not at "100 percent." The defender, key in France's opening Group I win against Senegal, emphasized the importance of the tournament, which occurs only once every four years. Despite minor injuries, he is focused on helping France advance to the knockout stages. France will face Iraq next in Philadelphia, seeking another victory to secure their progression.
- •Saliba has been dealing with back pain for several months.
- •France won their Group I opener against Senegal.
- •The next match for France is against Iraq on June 22.
- •Saliba emphasizes that many players are not at full fitness.
- 2:20 PMYahoo Sports — ‘You have to grit your teeth’ – Arsenal’s William Saliba confirms he will play through back pain at World Cup
- 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — Arsenal and France defender Saliba admits he is playing through pain at World Cup
- 9:05 PMYahoo Sports — France's Saliba says playing through the pain at World Cup
"France centre-half William Saliba said Saturday he has been "gritting his teeth" and playing through the pain at the World Cup after suffering from a back problem for the past few months."The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."
"France and Arsenal defender William Saliba admits he is playing while not at full fitness at this World Cup.The Gunners star helped his national side to a 3-1 win over Senegal in their opening game of...
"William Saliba (25) has confirmed that he is “not at 100%” due to an ongoing back issue, through which he has been playing for several months for Arsenal.Prior to flying to the US, there had bee...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 2:20 PM‘You have to grit your teeth’ – Arsenal’s William Saliba confirms he will play through back pain at World Cup
William Saliba (25) has confirmed that he is “not at 100%” due to an ongoing back issue, through which he has been playing for several months for Arsenal.Prior to flying to the US, there had bee...
- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 11:10 AMArsenal and France defender Saliba admits he is playing through pain at World Cup
France and Arsenal defender William Saliba admits he is playing while not at full fitness at this World Cup.The Gunners star helped his national side to a 3-1 win over Senegal in their opening game of...
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 9:05 PMFrance's Saliba says playing through the pain at World Cup
France centre-half William Saliba said Saturday he has been "gritting his teeth" and playing through the pain at the World Cup after suffering from a back problem for the past few months."The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."
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