Franck Leboeuf Urges William Saliba to Match Arsenal Form for France Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

William Saliba has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most commanding defenders, but former France international Franck Leboeuf believes the Arsenal centre-back has yet to transfer that authority onto the international stage — and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, time is running short.

In an exclusive interview with Get French Football News, Leboeuf backed sentiments previously expressed by fellow former France defender William Gallas, who had suggested the 25-year-old needs to raise his level when representing Les Bleus. “Well, if William Gallas said it then it must be right! No seriously, I think Saliba has been quiet when he plays for France. It seems he is not the same as with Arsenal,” Leboeuf said.

Leboeuf’s comments arrive just days after Saliba endured a painful end to his club season, with Arsenal falling to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final following a 1-1 draw that was ultimately settled by a penalty shootout. Despite that setback, Saliba’s broader performances for the Gunners throughout the campaign underscored the level of quality that Leboeuf and Gallas feel has not been consistently replicated in a France shirt.

While critical of Saliba’s international output, Leboeuf was careful to distinguish between a lack of effort and a lack of confidence, framing his assessment as an encouragement rather than a condemnation. “He is a brilliant and outstanding defender and just needs to show his true character and himself when playing for the national side,” the 1998 World Cup winner stated. “He should show his confidence and brilliance a little more as he is such a good defender. So I wouldn’t say not shown up exactly, but for him to go and express himself like he does for Arsenal. He looks a little shy playing for the national side.”

Saliba has been a regular fixture in Didier Deschamps’ defensive setup, operating within a squad that includes an array of world-class talent. The depth of competition and the collective nature of France’s defensive structure may partly account for the sense that his individual qualities are less visible at international level than they are in Arsenal’s system, though Leboeuf stopped short of offering that as an excuse.

France are currently in the final stages of preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Les Bleus, who lifted the trophy in 1998 and again in 2018, reached the final in 2022 before losing to Argentina on penalties — meaning they have appeared in three of the last five World Cup finals. A strong defensive foundation will be central to any title challenge, making the form and confidence of key defenders like Saliba a matter of significant tactical importance for Deschamps.

At 25, Saliba has time to grow into his international role, and Leboeuf’s critique appears rooted in genuine belief that the Arsenal man possesses the tools to become a cornerstone of France’s backline. Whether he can carry his club-level assurance into the biggest tournament in football remains one of the more intriguing questions heading into the summer.