Lebanese-Origin Defender William Saliba Selected for France's 2026 World Cup Squad

William Saliba will represent France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing prominence to his Lebanese heritage on football's biggest stage. The Arsenal defender has been included in coach Didier Deschamps' squad of 26 players for the tournament.

Saliba joins a squad headlined by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and includes winger Ousmane Dembélé, who captured the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player in a previous edition. The 23-year-old has emerged as a cornerstone of France's defensive lineup.

Born in France on March 24, 2001, Saliba carries dual heritage through his Lebanese father and Cameroonian mother. He could have chosen to play for either of his parents' nations but committed his international career to France instead. His journey through the sport began in the Paris suburbs, where he received early coaching from Kylian Mbappe's father before developing his talents with French club Saint-Etienne. Arsenal secured his services in summer 2019.

At the club level, Saliba has become recognized as one of the world's premier defenders. His playing style combines several exceptional qualities: composure under pressure, rapid movement, imposing physical presence, and an astute understanding of the game that allows him to anticipate plays and intercept passes effectively.

Saliba made his debut for the French national team in 2022, competing in that year's World Cup and the 2024 European Nations Championship. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, both Lebanese diaspora members and football enthusiasts are watching closely to see how Saliba performs on the world's largest soccer platform.