France's defender #17 William Saliba leaves the pitch after an injury during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
William Saliba was forced off with a back injury in France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain (AFP via Getty)
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was forced off with a back injury during the first half of France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday night.
Saliba, who has been managing the back problem for several months, went down unchallenged during the 29th minute of the game against Spain.
After speaking to France’s medical staff, Saliba was forced to leave the pitch and was replaced by Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
According to reports in France, Saliba was seen saying ‘my back has gone’ after he pulled up with his injury in the first half.
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France were behind by half time as Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty put Spain ahead in the 22nd minute. Pedro Porro then rounded off an excellent move to double Spain’s lead in the 58th minute.
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Spain will now play either England or Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
France's defender #17 William Saliba reacts on the field after an injury during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
William Saliba has been managing a back injury throughout the World Cup (AFP via Getty)
When asked about his decision to replace Saliba with Lacroix instead of calling on Ibrahima Konate, Didier Deschamps said after France’s defeat: ‘It’s a matter of choice.
‘Unfortunately, Ibou hasn’t reached his best level. There’s also the question of positioning, he plays on the right at Liverpool, while Maxence can play on the left. He’s also had more playing time since the beginning. I was following my own logic, it might not be yours but it’s mine.’
France's William Saliba (17) shakes the hand of head coach Didier Deschamps, right, after being injured during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Didier Deschamps consoled William Saliba after he left the pitch (AP Photo)
Three weeks ago, Saliba was ruled out of France’s final World Cup group game against Norway due to his back injury.
Speaking last month, Saliba revealed that he has been playing with the back problem before the start of the World Cup.
‘I’ve had some minor discomfort for several months,’ Saliba revealed.
‘I gritted my teeth because of the Champions League and the Premier League. But the staff are managing it very well. The World Cup only comes around every four years, so you have to grit your teeth.
‘I’m not at 100 per cent but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either, there’s no point in making excuses.’
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