Saliba played 2026 World Cup with broken back

William Saliba played through the 2026 World Cup with a fractured back. The Arsenal and France defender reportedly pushed through the injury during the tournament co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, a detail that has sparked disbelief in the French press (1). France's run ended in the semifinals against Spain, with Saliba on the pitch despite the undisclosed fracture. The revelation reframes a campaign where the Les Bleus backline, anchored by the 25-year-old, conceded only twice before that semifinal exit.