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Rabat – France and Paraguay meet Saturday at Philadelphia Stadium, both having booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
France’s route was straightforward. They beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Bradley Barcola also leaving his mark with a goal.
The game was controlled from start to finish, making it clear that this team has a well-defined plan built on cohesive attacking chemistry.
Paraguay’s path was the opposite. They eliminated four-time champions Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32, winning the shootout 4-3. It was the first time in World Cup history that Germany had lost one.
That result stands as one of the biggest upsets of the knockout stage, with Paraguay, ranked 41st in the world, knocking out Germany, who are ranked 10th.
On paper, Saturday’s gap is even wider. France came into the tournament third in the FIFA rankings; Paraguay were 41st. That’s a 38-place difference, likely the largest of any Round of 16 matchup this year. A Paraguay win here would be the second-biggest upset in World Cup knockout history.
The two sides also have history, and it hasn’t been dull. France beat Paraguay 7-3 back at the 1958 World Cup after trailing 3-2. They met again in the Round of 16 in 1998, and eventual champions France only got past them on a golden goal from Laurent Blanc in the 114th minute.
Paraguay haven’t made it past the Round of 16 since 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals, still the best World Cup run in the country’s history. Matching that would already be significant. Going further would be new ground entirely.
Tactically, expect a real contrast. France, under Deschamps, will try to control the ball and work it through midfield, leaning on Mbappé and the rest of their attack to break down a well-set defense. Paraguay won’t try to play that game. They’ll sit deep and look to break, the same approach that got the job done against Germany.
France go in as clear favorites. But Paraguay have already proven, against a much stronger opponent, that they can hold their nerve under pressure. Whether that’s enough against a French side still chasing redemption after the 2022 final is what Saturday will answer.
