France will continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title when they face Paraguay in the last 16 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Les Bleus have been one of the standout teams at the 2026 World Cup so far, winning all four of their games and scoring a tournament-leading 12 goals, while Paraguay arrive full of confidence after producing one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by knocking out Germany on penalties.
Julio Enciso’s goal helped force extra time against the Germans before Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty.
Paraguay have now lost just five of their 23 internationals; however, France presents an entirely different challenge.
Didier Deschamps’ men swept aside all the enemies they faced in North America, topping Group I with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before beating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Kylian Mbappe is once again the center of France’s attack, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola add to one of the most dangerous players in international football.
History also favors Les Bleus. Paraguay have not beaten France in their last five meetings, and the French beat La Albirroja in the Last-16 of the 1998 World Cup thanks to Laurent Blanc’s golden goal.
Paraguay vs France team news
Paraguay are expected to be without experienced defender Omar Alderrete, who is still recovering from a knee injury.
Jose Canale should therefore continue with captain Gustavo Gomez in central defense after his heroics against Germany.
Diego Gomez is available again after suspension and could return to midfield alongside Andres Cubas, while Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron are expected to provide attacking support for Gabriel Avalos.
France have no new injury concerns heading into the tournament.
Marcus Thuram remains a doubt with a calf problem, but Didier Deschamps is unlikely to make any major changes after the convincing win in Sweden.
Kylian Mbappe will once again lead the attack, supported by Dembele, Olise and Barcola, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are expected to continue in midfield.
William Saliba will partner Dayot Upamecano in the heart of defense in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Paraguay vs France qualifiers
Paraguay starting XI: Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, Diego Gomez; Almiron, Avalos, Enciso
France starting XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Where to watch Paraguay vs France: TV channel, live streaming online
The game will take place on Saturday, July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, kick-off at 22:00 BST.
In the UK, the game will be broadcast on BBC One and other channels, including online via BBC IPlayer.
Statistics of Paraguay vs France
- Les Bleus are the top scorers in this competition with 12 goals.
- France have scored at least three goals in each of their last four World Cup matches
- Kylian Mbappe has scored six goals in four games in the competition
- Michael Olise has registered five assists and remains on course to match Pele’s World Cup record of six in one competition
- France have won 15 of their last 18 World Cup matches since the start of the 2018 tournament.
- Didier Deschamps recorded 18 World Cup victories as a manager, the most in the tournament’s history
- La Albirroja lost one of four matches in the 2026 World Cup
- Paraguay have not beaten France in the last five meetings (two draws, three defeats).
- Paraguay have lost just five of their last 23 matches in all competitions
Paraguay vs France Prediction
Paraguay deserve a lot of credit for their run to the last-16 and have shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of frustrating high-quality opponents.
However, France have a high level of attack and arrive in outstanding form after four consecutive victories.
Alfaro’s side should stay in contention for a long time, but Mbappe and company are expected to find success and guide Les Bleus to the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France
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