France's William Saliba Injured and Substituted in World Cup Semifinal Against Spain

During the 30th minute of the 2026 World Cup semifinal match between France and Spain on Tuesday evening, French defender William Saliba was forced off the field due to injury. The substitution came just eight minutes after France fell behind 1-0. Saliba, who plays for Arsenal, was replaced by Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace. Throughout the tournament, Saliba had been managing persistent back pain, which ultimately prevented him from continuing in this crucial match.

French media reported that Saliba had been battling his back issues like a true warrior, maintaining excellent performance despite the discomfort. However, the pain proved too severe at this late stage of the competition. It was noted that Saliba is scheduled for back surgery after the tournament. As he left the pitch, Saliba reportedly said, "My back is finished, my back is finished." The French team now faces the challenge of coping without their key defender in the final stages of the World Cup.

This injury represents a significant setback for France as they aim to secure the championship, with concerns about the impact of Saliba's absence on their defensive strength. The phrase "troubles in bundles" was used in French media to describe the situation, highlighting the difficulties the team is encountering.