PARIS, June 4, 2026 — France head coach Didier Deschamps has moved to ease concerns over the fitness of key players ahead of the FIFA World Cup, confirming that defender William Saliba is available despite recent reports linking him with a back injury.
Saliba joined France’s training camp outside Paris on Tuesday after featuring for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final last weekend. Speculation over his fitness had raised doubts about his participation in the World Cup, but Deschamps dismissed those concerns.
“William is doing well and will be used according to plan. If there is a need for him to play tomorrow, he will play,” Deschamps told reporters ahead of France’s World Cup warm-up match against Ivory Coast on Thursday.
The French coach indicated that Saliba’s minutes could be managed carefully as a precaution during the friendly. France will also face Northern Ireland in another preparatory match on Monday.
Deschamps, who is set to step down as France coach after the World Cup, said he plans to rotate his squad during the warm-up fixtures. Particular attention will be given to players who recently competed in the Champions League, including several members of the Paris Saint-Germain squad.
The coach noted that the physical condition of players such as Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué will be closely monitored following their demanding club campaigns.
“We have six players who featured in the Champions League, especially those who started the match. We need to manage them carefully because an important schedule lies ahead,” Deschamps said.
Meanwhile, Deschamps expressed confidence in France captain Kylian Mbappé despite the forward enduring an inconsistent season with Real Madrid.
According to the France coach, Mbappé remains in excellent physical and mental condition and has fully committed himself since joining the national team camp.
“What happens at the club stays at the club. This is the national team. He has given his maximum effort with the group and during the first training sessions,” Deschamps said.
Highlighting the striker’s experience on football’s biggest stage, Deschamps added that the upcoming tournament will be Mbappé’s third World Cup appearance.
He possesses experience that many others do not. He knows very well how demanding a World Cup can be,” the coach said.
France are among the favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are using the remaining preparation matches to fine-tune their squad while ensuring key players remain fit for the tournament.
