France is not afraid of Argentina and Spain, says Saliba

France centre-back William Saliba said his side will not be intimidated by facing reigning champions Argentina or European champions Spain at next year’s World Cup and believes it can overcome any rival.

France finished second at the 2022 World Cup, losing on penalties to Argentina in a pulsating final widely regarded as one of the best matches in the tournament’s history.

Spain, meanwhile, enters the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico as one of the favorites after clinching the European Championship last year after eliminating France in the semi-finals.

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«The World Cup is still eight months away. Spain and Argentina have won the last two major competitions, that is true. But we are not afraid of it. I hope we qualify and take revenge at the World Cup,» Saliba told reporters ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.

«It’s the biggest competition in football. Everyone wants to be there. There’s nothing higher than that. That’s all we’re waiting for.»

France leads Group D in the World Cup qualifiers with six points from two games. They host Azerbaijan, who sit bottom of the group, at the Parc des Princes before traveling to Reykjavik to face second-placed Iceland three days later.

Saliba, who missed France’s opening qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland due to injury, is keen to contribute as he eyes his 29th cap for Les Bleus.

«It’s always a bit annoying to be injured. The 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,» the Arsenal defender said.

Published on October 9, 2025