France’s shocking claim: Saliba played World Cup 2026 with broken back

In a startling revelation from France, Arsenal’s star centre‑back William Saliba is said to have taken part in the World Cup 2026 while nursing a stress fracture in his back, a condition that only became fully apparent after the tournament’s semi‑final against Spain.

French media have described the story as unbelievable. The reports focus on Saliba’s back injury during the tournament.

William Saliba is Arsenal’s top defender. The coverage originates from sources within France.

According to the reports, Saliba played at the World Cup 2026 despite a stress fracture in his back. The injury is described as a stress fracture rather than a complete break.

The true seriousness of the injury only emerged after the semi‑final match against Spain. That game marked the point when the extent of the stress fracture was revealed.