France defender William Saliba has revealed that he is playing through pain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting he has been managing a persistent back problem for months while helping both club and country pursue major honours.
The Arsenal centre-back made the disclosure on Saturday ahead of France’s second Group I match against Iraq in Philadelphia, saying he has been forced to “grit his teeth” despite not being fully fit.
Saliba played a crucial role in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign last season, helping the North London club secure its first English league crown in 22 years. However, the 25-year-old admitted the demanding schedule has taken a toll on his body.
“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.
“The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
Despite his condition, the defender insisted he is unwilling to use fitness concerns as an excuse.
“I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 percent either — you can’t make excuses.”
Questions about Saliba’s fitness have followed him into the tournament after he underwent an individual recovery programme before France’s opening match.
Any concerns over his readiness appeared to ease after France began their campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal, where he produced a solid defensive display.
France now face Iraq knowing another victory could secure their place in the knockout stage before a final group match against Norway.
The French side entered the tournament among the favourites after reaching the 2022 final and lifting the World Cup trophy in 2018.
Saliba has also warned against underestimating Iraq, insisting France must remain fully focused against a team fighting to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
His comments are likely to attract attention from Arsenal supporters, who will be closely monitoring his fitness throughout the competition.
For now, however, the defender appears determined to put aside the pain barrier as France continue their quest for a third World Cup title.
