World Cup 2026: William Saliba admits he’s playing through pain 

France centre-half William Saliba has revealed he is pushing through ongoing back discomfort at the World Cup, admitting he has been “gritting his teeth” for several months as he continues to manage the issue while on international duty.

The 25-year-old, a key figure in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph last season, acknowledged he is not at full capacity as France chase a third global crown in North America. Despite the physical setback, he remains a central part of Didier Deschamps’ defensive plans.

“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well,” Saliba said at a press conference ahead of France’s Group I fixture against Iraq.

Managing workload behind the scenes

Since joining up with the squad, Saliba has been placed on a tailored training programme designed to reduce strain on his back while maintaining match sharpness. France’s medical team have carefully monitored his minutes, balancing recovery with the demands of tournament football.

His condition has not prevented him from contributing on the pitch. He delivered a composed performance in France’s opening group-stage victory over Senegal, helping the 1998 and 2018 champions begin their campaign with confidence.

Even so, the defender admitted the reality of playing through pain at the highest level, stressing the unique pressure of tournament football on elite players.

“The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”

No excuses as knockout stages loom

With France aiming to secure early qualification for the knockout rounds, Saliba insisted that physical setbacks cannot be used as justification for reduced standards. The squad faces Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday before a final group match against Norway four days later, with progression within reach.

Despite not being fully fit, he underlined a collective responsibility within the squad to deliver results regardless of individual condition.

“I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either – you can’t make excuses,” he added.

France’s management are expected to continue rotating and managing workloads as the tournament progresses, with Saliba’s fitness set to remain a closely watched factor in their bid for World Cup success.