During the 2026 World Cup, the name of a player of Lebanese origin will feature in the French national team, defender William Saliba.
France’s national team coach, Didier Deschamps, recently announced his list of 26 players to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, headed by Real Madrid’s Spanish star Kylian Mbappe, who won the Golden Ball award for best player Ousmane Dembélé, in addition to defender William Saliba, a player for the English team Arsenal. Who is William Saliba, who is considered today one of the most important defenders of the French national team?
William Saliba has a Lebanese father and a Cameroonian mother. He was born in France on March 24, 2001. He is currently considered one of the most prominent defenders in the world thanks to his exceptional performance with the English club Arsenal, and he is an essential component of the French national team.
Saliba began his football career in the suburbs of Paris, and received his first training as a child from the father of the star Kylian Mbappe. His star shone with the French club Saint-Etienne, which prompted Arsenal to sign him in the summer of 2019.
Although he had the option of representing Lebanon or Cameroon, he chose to represent the French national team and participated with them in major tournaments.
His most prominent characteristics as a player are that he is famous for his calmness, speed, great physical strength, and excellent ability to read matches and cut balls.
Saliba participated for the first time with the French national team in 2022 and played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 European Nations Championship.
So, the eyes of the Lebanese and football fans are turning to the 2026 World Cup. Will William Saliba be among the best players in the 2026 edition?
