France faces a significant setback as key defender William Saliba is ruled out of their FIFA World Cup semi-final against Spain. The centre-back suffered an injury shortly after the hydration break midway through the first half in Dallas.
Saliba, who plays for Arsenal, was included in the starting lineup and had played every minute of this World Cup except for the Norway game in the group stage, where he was rested. The 25-year-old lasted only 29 minutes before he went down without contact, indicating back pain.
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Unable to continue, the centre-back was replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Saliba had completed all ten of his passes during his half-hour on the pitch, making his absence a significant loss for Les Bleus.
Saliba has been dealing with a back issue for approximately three seasons, which intensified towards the end of the 2025-26 season with Arsenal. He entered the tournament acknowledging his discomfort but is now unable to proceed in the semi-final.
Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace has been thrust into a challenging position for France, making only his second appearance in this World Cup. The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the group stage match against Norway, which France won 4-1, but has been considered a backup in the squad.
France behind for first time in 2026 FIFA World Cup
For the first time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, France finds themselves trailing as they face Spain, down by a single goal. Les Bleus had won all six of their matches leading up to this semi-final clash in Dallas against their European rivals.
Spain took the lead 22 minutes in, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting a penalty. The Real Sociedad forward netted his fifth goal of the tournament after Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box by French left-back Lucas Digne.
This goal marks the first time Didier Deschamps’ team has conceded during the knockout stages this World Cup and the first time they’ve fallen behind in a match this summer. The last goal they allowed was against Norway on Matchday Three of the group stage, when Thelo Aasgaard scored in France’s 4-1 victory.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen
