World Cup 2026: Saliba Says He Has Been Playing Through Pain for France

France defender William Saliba revealed that he has been playing through back pain at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Arsenal centre‑half managed the lingering physical issues during his club’s domestic and European campaigns and is being closely monitored by French medical staff.

Saliba said he has had minor niggles for several months but chose to push through the discomfort rather than miss the tournament.

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He stated: “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 his country’s upcoming Group I match against Iraq.

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

“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.

Saliba was keen to keep perspective on Olise’s rise, urging caution before the winger is mentioned in the same breath as French football’s greatest names.

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“He’s a star, but he has a lot to accomplish before he can be compared to Zidane or Platini,” the Arsenal defender said of his international teammate.

Saliba was nonetheless effusive in his praise, describing Olise as a complete and irresistible talent at this level of the game.

“He can do everything on the pitch,” Saliba said. “I hope he becomes a player like that. He’s world‑class; he can dribble, he shoots, and when he needs to shoot, he shoots. When he dribbles, he dribbles, he’s a joy to watch.”