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Rabat – Former Paraguay icon José Luis Chilavert has ignited widespread backlash ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout match in Philadelphia.
Speaking on the highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter, the iconic shot-stopper stated that Paraguay would be facing an “African team” rather than France.
The 60-year-old former goalkeeper ignited the debate by sharing a screenshot on social media featuring comments attributed to ex-French forward Christophe Dugarry.
In the shared post, Dugarry had boldly predicted that France would completely dominate and hammer the South American side in their upcoming match.
“France is crushing everyone. Paraguay is going to get thrashed, I guarantee it. They’ll only want to defend because they’re incapable, completely incapable, of playing any other way. Offensively, they’re a disaster,” Dugarry stated on Radio Monte Carlo.
Unshaken by the harsh criticism, Chilavert fired back online by directly addressing the former French striker. Reopening a long-standing debate about the multicultural makeup of the European team, the legendary goalkeeper wrote: “Christophe, you’re right. In 1998 we faced the French and now PY will face a squad from Africa.”
The upcoming Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia sets up a classic tournament storyline as tournament favorites France square off against a resilient Paraguay side.
While Les Bleus comfortably cruised through their opening matches, the South American underdogs have emerged as the tournament’s biggest surprise package after securing a historic victory to eliminate heavyweights Germany.
