DOUBT! France Suffer Major Injury Blow Ahead of World Cup Opener

With just 10 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the France national team have been hit with a huge setback.

France are among the favourites tipped to win the biggest football competition, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele set to lead the charge.

However, Didier Deschamps, who has captained and managed France to their two World Cup wins,
might be without the service of star centre-back William Saliba when the tournament commence.

Arsenal defender Saliba played all 120 minutes of the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday, but is feeling the effects of a previous injury, according to reports.

William Saliba lines up prior to the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The 25-year-old’s participation in the World Cup is in doubt, and the French Football Federation (FFF) is understood to be concerned about his injury status.

“William Saliba could be sidelined for several weeks,” reports Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato.

“Already compromised before the match against PSG, William Saliba worsened his injury during the game.

“The Frenchman is still in pain and his condition is causing genuine concern within the FFF just days before the World Cup.”

Saliba has enjoyed an impressive season with Arsenal, helping the Gunners lift the Premier League title.

For the French national team, he has appeared 31 times since his senior international debut in 2022.

He was part of the French squad that reached the final of the 2022 World Cup, making one appearance from the bench in their last group game against Tunisia.

It’s now left to be seen if he’ll be fit enough to play as France take on Ivory Coast, Northern Ireland, and Senegal in the group stage.