William Saliba to Miss Training Ahead of FIFA World Cup Opener

France's defender William Saliba will not participate in team training ahead of the FIFA World Cup opener due to back pain. Following a demanding season with Arsenal, he is on an individual recovery program. Coach Didier Deschamps remains hopeful about his fitness. France will begin their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16, with additional matches against Iraq and Norway. The squad includes notable players like Kylian Mbappe and N'Golo Kante. Read on for more details about the team's preparations and Saliba's condition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 06:36 IST

Saliba's Recovery Plan

New Jersey [US], June 13: France's defender William Saliba will not join his teammates for training as they prepare for their FIFA World Cup opener on Friday. Instead, he will follow a personalized recovery program due to ongoing back pain, as confirmed by the French Football Federation (FFF).

Saliba has been dealing with back issues in recent weeks after a demanding season with Arsenal, where the team secured their first Premier League title in 22 years but finished as runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League final.

Recently, France's coach Didier Deschamps expressed optimism about Saliba's fitness ahead of the World Cup.

According to a statement from the FFF, "William Saliba will not participate in today's team training. Additionally, Theo Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni are being rested as a precautionary measure."

France is set to kick off their Group I matches against Senegal on June 16, followed by games against Iraq and Norway.

France's FIFA World Cup squad includes:

-Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba.

-Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.

-Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.

-Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.