William Saliba injury update: What happened to star French defender against Spain?

After a pivotal penalty decision following a painful challenge on Spain's Lamine Yamal, France is already facing tough sledding in Tuesday's men's World Cup semifinal match. A pivotal injury sustained just after Spain took a 1-0 lead could be the beginning of the end for the French team's World Cup hopes.

At the 28-minute mark, France's best defender, centerback William Saliba, had to be substituted out of the game after going down untouched. Beyond losing a pivotal organizing player like Saliba and the likely need for France to adjust its game plan, anyone who follows sports knows it's never good when an athlete suffers an apparent non-contact injury. (Note: Saliba plays for Arsenal in the Premier League.)

As France tries to adjust on the fly without its cornerstone defender, here's hoping for the best for Saliba's health:

French defender William Saliba was subbed off in the first half due to an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/P8uqrSHkXq

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 14, 2026

France's chances of winning against Spain undoubtedly take a huge blow with Saliba now unavailable. But they're not hopeless. Its margin for error just got thinner, is all.

Who replaced William Saliba for France?

Maxence Lacroix, who plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, was chosen as Saliba's substitute. This World Cup is Lacroix's first-ever international tournament with France.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: William Saliba injury update: What happened to star French defender against Spain?