World Cup 2026: William Saliba targeted by PSG stars over Champions League heartbreak

William Saliba has admitted he remains the subject of good-natured teasing from his France teammates Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele following Arsenal’s painful UEFA Champions League final defeat.

The Arsenal defender revealed the banter has been unavoidable during France’s World Cup camp, with several Paris Saint-Germain players reminding him of the Gunners’ disappointment on Europe’s biggest club stage.

PSG contingent keep Saliba on his toes

France are preparing for their second Group I fixture against Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday, knowing victory would secure a place in the knockout rounds after opening their campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal.

While Les Bleus are focused on World Cup business, Saliba acknowledged that memories of the Champions League final occasionally resurface around the dinner table.

The centre-back was on the losing side as Arsenal fell on penalties, with several PSG players now sharing the France dressing room with him.

“I’ve already forgotten, I hope we’ll come back stronger next year,” Saliba told reporters.

“With the five Parisians, we sometimes talk about it, we tease each other a bit at the table, it’s all in good fun.”

World Cup focus eases final pain

Saliba admitted the immediate aftermath of the defeat was difficult to process, but the quick transition into international duty helped him move on.

The 25-year-old said the demands of a World Cup campaign left little time to dwell on the setback.

“It was a little easier, given that we had to quickly focus on the World Cup which was coming right after,” he stated. “Even though the first three or four days were difficult.”

Fitness concern ahead of Iraq test

The defender has also been managing a back problem during the tournament, raising concerns over his condition as France pursue a second World Cup title in eight years.

Despite the injury issue, Saliba is expected to retain his place in Didier Deschamps’ starting line-up against Iraq.

France enter the contest as overwhelming favourites and another victory would guarantee progression to the last 16. With one of the strongest squads at the tournament and momentum building after their opening win, Les Bleus will be confident of taking another step towards the knockout phase.