William Saliba ruled out of France vs England World Cup 2026 playoff

William Saliba will not play in France’s FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff against England after aggravating a back injury in the semifinal loss to Spain. The Arsenal defender was substituted early in the 2-0 defeat and has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

What happened to William Saliba?

Saliba had been managing the back injury since March, relying on painkillers to stay available for France. However, the issue worsened during the semifinal against Spain on July 16, forcing him off the field in the 30th minute. France’s medical team decided to exclude him from the third-place match to avoid further damage.

Why is this injury significant?

The injury could sideline Saliba for four to five months, according to reports. He is expected to return to London next week for further evaluation by Arsenal’s medical staff. Surgery or a conservative rehabilitation plan may be required, depending on the assessment.

What’s next for William Saliba?

France will now face England in the third-place playoff on July 19, with Maxence Lacroix replacing Saliba alongside Ibrahima Konaté in central defense. Saliba’s absence is a blow to both club and country, as he has been a key figure in France’s defensive lineup throughout the tournament.