Upamecano and Saliba’s partnership set for key examination against Spain

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·13 July 2026

Upamecano and Saliba’s partnership set for key examination against Spain

Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba now anchor a France defence that has become increasingly hard to breach, and their partnership faces a significant test against Spain on Tuesday at 21:00.

According to Le Progres, their first start together came on 22 September 2022 at Parken in Copenhagen, a 0-2 defeat to Denmark.

OneFootball Videos

Since then they have played 20 more times as a pairing, including six matches at the last Euros and six at the World Cup, lifting their standing on the international stage.

The centre-backs have been central to covering France’s deliberate attacking imbalance, providing security while the front line takes risks.

Former France defender Sébastien Squillaci rates them the best centre-back duo in the world, highlighting their speed, height and strength.

Source: Le Progres