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 July 14, France's central defender William Saliba was forced off the field due to injury. The Arsenal player, who had been struggling with persistent back pain throughout the tournament, could not continue after Spain took a 1-0 lead. Saliba was immediately replaced by Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace. French media reported that Saliba had been fighting through significant back pain during the World Cup and was 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 crucial final stages of the competition.