France defender William Saliba has emphatically declared that Les Bleus do not fear facing World Cup champions Argentina or European champions Spain as the next edition of world football’s marquee tournament draws closer.
Speaking ahead of a key qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, Saliba expressed confidence in his national side’s ability to square up to the sport’s leading nations, rejecting any narrative of intimidation or inferiority.
“The World Cup is eight months away. Spain and Argentina have won the last two major competitions, that’s true. But we’re not afraid of them. I hope we qualify and get our revenge at the World Cup,” Saliba told reporters ahead of France’s qualifier against Azerbaijan.
Saliba’s remarks arrive in the shadow of France’s painful 2022 final defeat to Argentina, a dramatic match that ended in a penalty shootout after a pulsating 3–3 draw.
That final is still widely remembered as one of the most enthralling in World Cup history, and Saliba made clear that the memory still burns. “We lost. But when you lose a final like that, of course you want to come back stronger,” he said.
Spain, too, looms large on the global stage. After eliminating France in the semi-finals of the European Championship last year, La Roja have reinforced their reputation as a European powerhouse. Yet Saliba dismisses that pedigree as insufficient to cow his team. “Spain and Argentina have won the last two major competitions… But we’re not afraid of them,” he reiterated.
France currently sit atop Group D in qualifying, having claimed six points from their first two matches. Their upcoming fixtures include a home tie against bottom-placed Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes, followed three days later by a critical away trip to Reykjavik to face second-placed Iceland.
Saliba, whose international profile is rising steadily, missed France’s first two qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland due to injury. He admitted frustration at being sidelined but insisted that competition within the squad is fierce and demanding. “It’s always a bit annoying to be injured. Competition is fierce in the French team. I’m back today. We’ll see how it goes. But I’ll have to be good when the coach needs me,” he explained.
The Arsenal centre-back is now aiming for his 29th cap for France, eager to make a substantial impact in what will be a crucial phase for Les Bleus. His message is clear: his team is not intimidated by history, reputation, or recent trophies. Instead, they see every opponent as beatable, so long as belief, preparation, and resolve align.
With a young yet battle-tested squad boasting stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, France remain one of the favourites heading into the global showpiece. Saliba’s emergence as a defensive leader adds even more depth to an already formidable side.
Deschamps has consistently emphasized mental strength and team unity, qualities that have propelled France to two consecutive World Cup finals. Saliba’s remarks echo that mindset, showing that this generation is unwilling to be haunted by past disappointments.
“The team is hungry. Everyone wants to win. We have experienced players and young ones who are ready to give everything,” Saliba added. “That’s what makes France strong. We respect every opponent, but we don’t fear anyone.”