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Sports July 15, 2026

Saliba injury woes continue

Saliba injury woes continue

France's World Cup campaign suffered a setback after a 2-0 defeat to Spain, with defender William Saliba forced off with a back injury. The injury occurred during the match, and Saliba's condition will be a concern for the team. France was already trailing by halftime, and Saliba's departure further weakened their defense. The team's chances of advancing in the tournament may be impacted by his potential absence.

Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute with a penalty scored by Mikel Oyarzabal, and Pedro Porro doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. The Spanish team will now move on to the final, where they will face either England or Argentina on Sunday. France's loss marks the end of their World Cup run, and the team will need to regroup and reassess their strategy. The defeat will be a disappointment for the French team, who had high hopes for the tournament.

Saliba has been managing a back injury throughout the World Cup, and his condition has been a concern for the team. In a previous match, he was ruled out due to the same injury, and his availability for future games was uncertain. The defender has been playing through the pain, but the injury may be taking a toll on his performance. The team's medical staff has been working to manage the injury, but Saliba's long-term health may be a concern.

France's defender #17 William Saliba leaves the pitch after an injury during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

After the match, France's coach explained his decision to replace Saliba with another player, citing the need for a specific skill set and positioning on the field. The coach's choice may have been influenced by the team's overall strategy and the need to adapt to the opposing team's formation. The substitution was made to try and change the course of the game, but ultimately, it was not enough to secure a win for France. The coach's decisions will be scrutinized in the aftermath of the loss.

Saliba has spoken publicly about his back injury, revealing that he has been experiencing discomfort for several months. Despite the pain, he has continued to play, knowing that the World Cup is a rare opportunity. The defender's dedication to his team and the tournament is admirable, but his health may be at risk if he continues to play through the injury. The team's medical staff will need to carefully monitor Saliba's condition to ensure that he does not exacerbate the injury.

France's defender #17 William Saliba reacts on the field after an injury during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) France's William Saliba (17) shakes the hand of head coach Didier Deschamps, right, after being injured during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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