12 July 2026
France Sweat on Saliba and Upamecano Before Spain Clash
Two of France's key defenders missed training on Saturday as the semi-final against Spain draws closer.
France's preparations for their World Cup semi-final against Spain have been disrupted by defensive concerns, with both William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano absent from Saturday's training session, according to Reuters.
Saliba has been carrying a back injury throughout the tournament and was rested during France's final group match. Upamecano, who has come straight into the competition off the back of a busy club season with Bayern Munich, also did not train, though Reuters reported no details were given for his absence.
The pair both started France's 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco. Their importance to the team is hard to overstate. Reuters noted that France have conceded only two goals across their six World Cup matches so far, one fewer than their semi-final opponents Spain.
The semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas, and French fans will be watching the next training sessions very closely for any sign that either defender will be fit to face one of the tournament's most potent attacks.
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