Saliba Sets France on a Revenge Quest for World Cup 2026

Saliba’s Return Fuels France’s World Cup Push

Arsenal’s William Saliba is eager to reclaim his spot in the France squad as the country eyes World Cup 2026 glory. He and his teammates insist they fear no opponent, confident in the power and depth of the squad to lift the trophy once more.

The remarks came at a Thursday press conference ahead of France’s qualifier against Azerbaijan, with eight months to go until the World Cup. While Argentina lifted the last global crown and Spain triumphed in Europe, Saliba stressed that France will not back down and hopes to qualify with a view to delivering redemption on the world stage.

“Football is the greatest rivalry there is,” Saliba said. “Everyone wants to be there; there is nothing higher than that. That is what we are waiting for.”

France’s Qualification Picture and Saliba’s Return

France currently lead Group D with six points from two games and will host Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes before travelling to Iceland shortly after. Saliba had missed France’s opening qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland due to injury, and now hopes to reclaim his place and play for the Blues for the 29th time.

Arsenal’s defender acknowledged the frustration of injuries and the fierce competition within the French squad. He returned today and will be ready if the coach needs him, as he helps bolster a defense that has been a bedrock for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta this season.

In the early stages of the season, Saliba has played nine games for Arsenal across all competitions, with no goals but one assist in the League Cup, reinforcing his stature as a key component of a compact and disciplined backline.

Deschamps Era: Stability, Depth, and the Quest for a Third Title

Arsenal’s 16-point tally in seven Premier League games keeps them just ahead of Liverpool, and two successive wins in the Champions League have lifted morale as France prepare for the October camp. The national team under Didier Deschamps remains a formidable force, and the World Cup 2026 challenge—played across the United States, Canada and Mexico—appears within reach.

Deschamps, who won the World Cup as a player in 1998 and as coach in 2018, has also collected Nations League honors in 2021, a silver at the 2022 World Cup and bronze in the Nations League 2025. He continues to balance experienced leaders with a rising generation, aiming to keep France among the elite while building a cohesive unit ready to challenge the giants of the game.

“The Octobers’ squad features 23 players across elite clubs,” the piece notes, underscoring the depth that can carry France through a demanding qualifying campaign and into a tournament where every match matters for a team chasing a historic crown.

Squad snapshot — France’s October list spans goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards, with notable inclusions and a few adjustments to address injuries and suspensions. Camavinga returns to fill Chouaméni’s spot when available, while Saliba’s return pushes Pavard back and reshapes the defensive line for the looming tests.

With serious competition and a squad that blends proven performers with fresh faces, France remain among the favorites to clinch the World Cup in North America. The mix of tactical discipline, versatility in attack, and a resilient defense could be the key to translating talent into a long playoff run.

Key facts from the October camp — A 23-man squad is listed across positions, with crunch choices to balance experience and youth, and a focus on keeping a clean sheet while maximizing attacking options as Mbappé and teammates look to lead the charge.

France are widely regarded as strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup, thanks to stability, depth and an ability to adapt to demanding opponents. As the qualifiers progress, the hope is to consolidate form, avoid injuries, and sharpen the collective edge that has defined Deschamps’s era.

France’s tactical discipline, the cohesion of the backline, and Mbappé’s blistering pace at the forefront all contribute to a credible bid to reclaim the title, after yielding to formidable rivals in recent seasons. The upcoming fixtures will test the squad’s readiness, but the sense around the camp is one of quiet confidence and a readiness to deliver when it matters most.

As Saliba returns to action, fans will be watching how a defensive foundation anchored by a disciplined unit can translate into a potent attack, capable of breaking down the most stubborn defenses and lifting a nation toward a historic third World Cup trophy.

“The World Cup is eight months away,” Saliba insisted, with a smile that suggested a player keen to prove a point and perhaps even a little amused by the drama that surrounds the sport. The road to 2026 is long, but the destination—glory for France—feels within reach.

Punchline time: If football were a sniper’s rifle, France would be hitting bullseyes with the compliments of a well-timed counterattack. Punchline two: When in doubt, just tell the ball to behave—it's got more dramatic pauses than a soap opera, and apparently, it listens to Saliba better than to the coach’s notebook.