FRANCE TEAM: SALIBA WILL BE RESTED AGAINST NORWAY, LACROIX IS EXPECTED TO REPLACE HIM

Troubled by his back for several months, William Saliba will not be called up for France's third match at the 2026 World Cup. Maxence Lacroix is expected to take his place against Norway this Friday (9pm).

Changes are on the horizon. As reported by RMC Sport, the French national team staff plans to make some adjustments to the starting eleven that will face Norway this Friday (9 pm French time) in Boston. While qualification for the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup is already secured, there's still the challenge of finishing first in the group and maintaining their momentum.

Lacroix rather than Konaté?

Among the expected changes: the likely inclusion of Maxence Lacroix in the starting lineup in place of William Saliba alongside Dayot Upamecano. Troubled by a back problem for several months, the Arsenal center-back will be able to rest. He will not participate in today's training session, just like Marcus Thuram, who felt a slight pain in his calf.

"William will not be there tomorrow (Friday). His replacement? Just look at the one who replaced him in the last few matches," said Guy Stéphan, who was present at Thursday evening's press conference and will take his place on the bench against Norway in the absence of Didier Deschamps, who has returned to France after the death of his mother.

Based on the clues provided by Stéphan, Lacroix is indeed the favorite to start rather than Ibrahima Konaté. The Crystal Palace player replaced Saliba at halftime against Northern Ireland in a friendly match. And in the first two World Cup matches against Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0), Lacroix consistently warmed up before Konaté.