William Saliba

William Saliba is a confirmed defender in France's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, named by Didier Deschamps on 14 May 2026 with Malo Gusto, Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, Théo Hernandez, Lucas Hernandez and Maxence Lacroix. The Arsenal centre-back is 25 at kick-off and brings 31 senior France caps into the squad as of 13 November 2025, with no international goals, making this his second senior World Cup after France's runner-up finish at Qatar 2022.

France face Senegal, Iraq and Norway in Group I, with the opener against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on 16 June. Deschamps's side qualified by winning UEFA Group D on 13 November 2025, so Saliba's profile can stay grounded in confirmed squad status, club, position, caps, prior World Cup history and France's route into the tournament.

Saliba is a centre-back with strength, pace, tackling and composure as grounded traits. His recovery pace supports line-keeping and step-up defending, while ball-playing ability, footballing intelligence and passing accuracy give France a route to progress possession from the back.

He has formed an Arsenal centre-back partnership with Gabriel Magalhães and can play as part of a back three. For France, the copy can mention those confirmed traits without claiming captaincy, a selection hierarchy or a specific starting role.

France are a Tier 1 Goal Rush pick at £32m within the game's £200m card budget, with xG 11.8 and rank 1. Their Group I opener against Senegal gives the first matchday read before games with Iraq and Norway.

Saliba gives that premium pick a centre-back route to control: recovery pace for the defensive line, strength in aerial duels, and passing accuracy to move attacks out from the back. For fantasy managers, his signal is stability that helps France sustain the attacking platform.