Saliba's Injury and the 2026 World Cup Kickoff
France's central defender William Saliba has suffered an injury while playing for his club and is now at risk of missing the start of the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal London player, who logged 120 minutes in the Champions League final, could be sidelined for several weeks due to the issue. France head coach Didier Deschamps has released the final squad list, which includes eight players from the French league, while the remainder represent clubs in Italy, England, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, and Spain.
Saliba, who has made 50 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist, formed a defensive partnership with Dayot Upamecano during World Cup qualifying. France will begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Senegal. The final squad also includes:
- Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes), Robin Risser (Lens);
- Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace).
Spain's Situation and New Refereeing Rules
Separately, the coaching staff of the Spain national team has decided not to include any Real Madrid players in their 2026 World Cup squad. Notably, Barcelona has sent seven players to the tournament.
A new rule at this World Cup will require referees to send off players who cover their mouths during arguments or attempt to leave the field in protest against officiating decisions.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a packed event, and teams like France are working hard to prepare despite challenges such as injuries to key players.
Saliba's injury could significantly impact the coach's tactical plans, as his absence will weaken the team's defensive capabilities. At the same time, the new refereeing rules may alter match dynamics, adding extra factors for team strategies. As a result, the World Cup will test not only the players but also the coaching staff, who must adapt to the new conditions of the game.
As teams finalize their preparations for the tournament, the situation for Spain has also drawn attention, particularly with the absence of any Real Madrid players in their squad. This decision, alongside the new refereeing rules set to impact the tournament, adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming matches. For more details on Spain's squad and its implications, check out our article on Spain's World Cup roster.