William Saliba Reveals Ongoing Back Pain Ahead of France-Iraq 2026 World Cup Match
France defender William Saliba has disclosed that he is coping with persistent back pain during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, acknowledging he is not at full fitness but remains eager to contribute to Les Bleus’ campaign.
The Arsenal centre‑back said the issue has been present for months, tracing back to the end of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League seasons. Despite the discomfort, he insisted that missing the tournament was never an option as France prepares for its Group I clash with Iraq.
Speaking at a press conference before the match, Saliba explained, “I’ve had minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because of the Champions League and the Premier League commitments, but the coaching staff are managing it well.”
He added, “The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you have to push through.”
The 25‑year‑old noted that France’s medical and technical staff have carefully monitored his workload since the tournament began, allowing him to keep playing while keeping an eye on the injury.
“I’m not at 100 percent, but many players aren’t either – you can’t make excuses,” he said.
Away from his own fitness worries, Saliba praised teammate Michael Olise, whose performances have drawn increasing acclaim during the competition. However, he warned against drawing quick comparisons to French legends Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini.
“He’s a star, but he still has a lot to achieve before he can be mentioned in the same breath as Zidane or Platini,” Saliba remarked about his international colleague.
Nevertheless, he believes Olise possesses all the attributes needed to become one of the game’s elite talents.
“He can do everything on the pitch,” Saliba said. “I hope he reaches that level. He’s world‑class – he dribbles, he shoots, and when he needs to shoot he does. When he dribbles he does it with flair; he’s a joy to watch.”
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