William Saliba plays through pain as France faces Iraq in World Cup
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 3:11 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
France defender William Saliba is determined to continue playing despite ongoing pain, motivated by the chance to succeed in the World Cup. Following a Premier League title win with Arsenal, France launched their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal. Saliba noted he has been managing minor injuries, stating, 'I've been gritting my teeth.' France will look to build on their strong performance but seek defensive improvements, having not kept a clean sheet in their last six matches. They face Iraq, who are coming off a heavy defeat to Norway, in their next match.
- •William Saliba has played through pain for months.
- •France won 3-1 against Senegal in their opening World Cup match.
- •Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time top goalscorer.
- •France's next match is against Iraq, after Iraq's loss to Norway.
- •Iraq has not yet earned points in World Cup matches.
- 4:34 PMESPN Soccer — Saliba playing through pain for France WCup bid
- 3:11 PMYahoo Sports — Saliba 'grits teeth' to play through pain as France chase last 32
"France defender William Saliba says he has been playing through pain for several months but the Arsenal man has been inspired to keep pushing by the opportunity to make history. Saliba helped Arsenal win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years this season before they fell narrowly short in their bid to win the Champions League for the first time in their history, losing the final on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.
"William Saliba has said he has been playing through pain for several months but the Arsenal defender has been inspired to keep pushing by the opportunity to make history.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 21, 2026, 4:34 PMSaliba playing through pain for France WCup bid
William Saliba has said he has been playing through pain for several months but the Arsenal defender has been inspired to keep pushing by the opportunity to make history.
- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 3:11 PMSaliba 'grits teeth' to play through pain as France chase last 32
France defender William Saliba says he has been playing through pain for several months but the Arsenal man has been inspired to keep pushing by the opportunity to make history. Saliba helped Arsenal win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years this season before they fell narrowly short in their bid to win the Champions League for the first time in their history, losing the final on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.
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