Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Monday, 08 June 2026 22:59 / Updated Monday, 08 June 2026 23:46
William Saliba (25 years old, central defender), from Arsenal, is fit to play and will be able to participate in the World Cup which is due to start on June 11.
The Arsenal defender has been struggling with back problems but has passed a thorough medical which has seen the 25-year-old fit to play in the Roosters' first World Cup group stage match against Senegal on June 16.
William Saliba is fit for the World Cup
The coach of the two-time world champions, Didier Deschamps, was sure that Saliba's problems were not serious.
The defender helped Arsenal win their first English title in 22 years.
William Saliba joined the Roosters training camp on June 2. The central defender has 32 games in the shirt of the French national team. This is quoted at 100 million euros, according to transfermarkt.com.
In his career, Saliba also played for Saint Etienne, Marseille and Nice. For his current club he ticked off 184 games, during which he scored 8 goals and provided 3 decisive assists.
William Saliba, Arsenal centre-back / Photo: Imago Images
Iraq and Norway are France's other opponents in the 2026 World Cup group stage.
France squad for the World Cup
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Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (RC Lens), Brice Samba (Stade Rennais)
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defense: Lucas Digne (Everton), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (FC Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
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midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
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Strikers: Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
