Paraguay and France meet in Philadelphia for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after both sides came through the round of 32 in impressive fashion.
France have looked every bit like one of the favourites to lift the trophy so far this tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side cruised through the group stage with a perfect record before producing another commanding display in the round of 32.
They beat Sweden 3-0 with Kylian Mbappe continuing his outstanding goalscoring run with another two goals for Les Blues. He is now just one goal behind Lionel Messi as the all-time top goalscorer in World Cups.
Paraguay’s route to the last 16 has been very different. Gustavo Alfaro’s side battled through some difficult group games before producing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Knocking out four-time world champions Germany on penalties.
The winners will move into the quarter-finals. Where Canada or Morocco await, while defeat will bring an end to their World Cup dreams.
How to watch Paraguay vs France
Paraguay vs France kicks off at 22:00 GMT on Saturday, July 4 at the Philadelphia Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on BBC, with streaming also available via BBC iPlayer.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
Paraguay team news
Paraguay will be happy to have one of their key midfielders back for this one. Diego Gomez missed the dramatic penalty shootout win over Germany through suspension.
The Brighton midfielder is expected to return straight to the starting XI, giving Gustavo Alfaro a welcome boost ahead of their biggest game of the tournament.
His return should add more energy and quality in possession against a France side that is likely to dominate the ball. They will hope that he can make their short amount of time with the ball count.
There are still concerns over Omar Alderete after the Sunderland defender picked up a knee injury during the group stage. If he isn’t passed fit in time, Jose Canale is expected to keep his place alongside captain Gustavo Gomez in central defence.
Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso remain Paraguay’s biggest attacking threats, with Enciso already proving he can deliver on the biggest stage after scoring against Germany.
Gabriel Avalos is expected to continue leading the line, although Antonio Sanabria is another option if Alfaro decides to freshen things up in attack.
Expected XI:
(4-3-3) Gill – Cáceres, G. Gómez, Canale, Alonso – Cubas, D. Gómez, Galarza – Almiron, Avalos, Enciso.
France team news
France have very few injury concerns heading into the last-16 clash, giving Didier Deschamps the luxury of sticking with the side that comfortably beat Sweden.
Marcus Thuram remains a doubt after missing France’s last two matches with a calf problem, but he was never expected to start regardless.
Kylian Mbappe will once again lead the attack after taking his tournament tally to six goals with a brace in the previous round.
Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola have formed one of the most dangerous attacking units in the competition and are all expected to retain their places.
Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki provide plenty of quality from the bench if France need a different approach later in the game.
Further back, Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are set to continue in midfield. Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Lucas Digne should continue in an unchanged back four. Behind them, Mike Maignan will start in goal, although he might not have much to do.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Dembélé, Olise, Barcola – Mbappé.
Paraguay vs France stats
- France have won all four of their matches at the 2026 World Cup, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two.
- Didier Deschamps’ side have scored three or more goals in each of their last five World Cup matches. The first team ever to achieve that feat.
- Paraguay reached the last 16 after eliminating Germany on penalties, despite having just 25% possession.
- France have won four consecutive World Cup matches for only the second time in their history.
- Mbappe has now scored 18 World Cup goals, leaving him just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time tournament tally.
- France are unbeaten against Paraguay, winning three of their previous meetings and drawing two.
- The last meeting between the two nations ended in a 5-0 victory for France in an international friendly in 2017.
- Paraguay are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for only the second time, having previously done so in 2010.
- Orlando Gill was Paraguay’s hero against Germany, saving two penalties in the shootout to send La Albirroja through.
Paraguay vs France prediction
Let me start by just saying, Paraguay deserve enormous credit for what they’ve achieved at this World Cup. Few gave them much chance of getting past Germany, but they defended brilliantly, stayed in the game and took their opportunity when it mattered most in the penalty shootout.
The problem they face here is that France are arguably the best team in the world currently.
Didier Deschamps’ side have looked the most complete team in the tournament so far. They have won every game, scored goals for fun and rarely looked troubled defensively. Even when opponents have tried to frustrate them, France have found a way through.
Paraguay will almost certainly adopt a similar approach to the one that worked against Germany. They’ll sit deep, stay compact and hope Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso can spring quick counter-attacks whenever France commit bodies forward.
That’s easier said than done against this French side.
France have so many match-winners across the pitch that they don’t rely on one player to unlock defences. If Kylian Mbappe isn’t causing problems, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise or Bradley Barcola usually step up instead.
The longer Paraguay can keep the game level, the more belief they will have. They’ve already shown they are organised enough to frustrate elite opposition, and another disciplined defensive display wouldn’t be a surprise.
Over 90 minutes, though, France’s quality should tell.
Paraguay have been excellent defensively throughout the tournament. But eventually the pressure should pay off, and Les Bleus have enough firepower to book their place in the quarter-finals.
With six goals already at this World Cup, it’s difficult to look beyond Kylian Mbappe finding the scoresheet again. The France captain is in outstanding form and will fancy his chances against a Paraguay defence that is likely to spend long periods under pressure.
You won’t find great odds on either of those two picks individually. That’s why I would look at a bet builder for this one.
My picks for this game would be: France to qualify, Mbappe to score 2+ goals, Over 3.5 goals and over 2.5 cards.
