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

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·13 luglio 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.

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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