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Rabat – France face Paraguay today at Philadelphia Stadium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France reached this stage after beating Sweden 3–0 in the Round of 32. Didier Deschamps’ side have won all four matches at the tournament and enter the game as one of the strongest title contenders.
Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup by eliminating Germany on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Gustavo Alfaro’s team now face another European giant, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The winner will face either Morocco or Canada in the quarter-finals on July 9.
Match details:
Fixture: Paraguay vs France
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 16
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia
Date: Saturday, July 4
Kick-off: 10:00 p.m. Morocco time / 9:00 p.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FOX Sports in the USA; BBC in the UK
France team news
Injuries/Suspensions: France will be without Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is expected to miss the match with a thigh injury. Manu Koné is likely to replace him in midfield.
Marcus Thuram also remains a doubt after struggling with a calf problem during the tournament. France have no reported suspension concerns.
Returns/Doubts: Deschamps may make slight rotations due to the heat and France’s strong attacking depth. Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué and Jean-Philippe Mateta are available from the bench if France need fresh energy late in the game.
Recent Form: France have been one of the most convincing teams at the tournament. They won all three group-stage matches before beating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Les Bleus have scored 13 goals and conceded only two. Their attack has looked sharp, fast and difficult to stop.
Key Players: Kylian Mbappé remains France’s main threat and has been in excellent scoring form. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola give France speed on both wings, while Michael Olise adds creativity between the lines.
In midfield, Adrien Rabiot and Koné will be important in controlling transitions and stopping Paraguay’s counter-attacks.
Likely XI: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.
Paraguay team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Paraguay have some concerns in defense. Omar Alderete missed the Germany match through injury and remains a doubt.
No suspension problems have been reported, giving Alfaro most of his squad available for another difficult knockout test.
Recent Form: Paraguay started the tournament badly with a 4–1 defeat to the United States, but they recovered with a disciplined 1–0 win over Turkey and a draw against Australia.
Their biggest moment came in the Round of 32, when they held Germany to a 1–1 draw before winning 4–3 on penalties. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two penalties and became the hero of the night.
Key Players: Gill could be decisive again if the match reaches penalties. Captain Gustavo Gómez will lead the defense, while Andrés Cubas gives Paraguay strength in midfield.
Julio Enciso is Paraguay’s most dangerous attacking player. Miguel Almirón also brings pace and experience on the counter.
Likely XI: Gill; Cáceres, Gómez, Canale, Alonso; Cubas; Diego Gómez, Bobadilla; Galarza; Enciso, Almirón.
What to expect
France are clear favorites because of their attacking power, squad depth and recent form. Deschamps’ team will likely control possession and try to score early through Mbappé, Dembélé and Barcola.
Paraguay are expected to defend deep, stay compact and wait for counter-attacks or set pieces. Their plan against Germany worked because they stayed focused, absorbed pressure and trusted Gill in goal.
The 1998 World Cup meeting between these teams also adds history to the match. France beat Paraguay 1–0 with a golden goal in the last 16 that year, on their way to winning the tournament.
This time, Paraguay will believe they can frustrate France again. But they cannot afford even one lapse in concentration against an attack that has punished almost every mistake so far.
Safe bets
France to Qualify: Les Bleus have more quality, depth and knockout experience.
Under 3.5 Goals: Paraguay are likely to defend deep and slow the match down.
Kylian Mbappé to Score or Assist: France’s captain remains their biggest attacking weapon.
Prediction: France 2-0 Paraguay.
Paraguay can make the match difficult, but France’s speed, depth and finishing quality should be enough to reach the quarter-finals.
