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Rabat – Paraguayan Football Association President Robert Harrison has said he hopes France do not win the World Cup after Paraguay’s elimination against Les Bleus.
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the decisive penalty in Philadelphia to send the French team into the quarterfinals.
Speaking after the match, Harrison criticized the conduct of France players, saying he was surprised by what happened after the final whistle.
“France has a chance to win the World Cup, and I hope they don’t,” Harrison said, according to statements reported by Paraguayan newspaper ABC.
He added that he hoped France would not lift the trophy because of the “actions” of French players after the match, pointing especially to Mbappe.
France-Paraguay match turns into controversy
The match itself was tense and physical.
Mbappe’s penalty gave France the win, but the events after the game created a wider controversy involving players, officials, politicians and both football federations.
Paraguay left the tournament after a strong run, with Harrison initially thanking the players, coaching staff and supporters for representing the country with pride.
But the tone shifted after several comments from Paraguay and France drew online attention.
The biggest controversy came from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, who posted racist remarks targeting Mbappe after the match.
Reuters reported that Amarilla attacked Mbappe’s identity and described him in racist terms, leading to a strong response from the France captain.
Mbappe responds to Paraguayan senator
Mbappe publicly condemned Amarilla’s remarks, calling her “despicable” and “unworthy” of her position.
He also said she did not represent Paraguay, praising the country’s players for their passion and effort during the World Cup.
The French Football Federation said it would report the matter to prosecutors, describing the senator’s remarks as unacceptable and criminal.
French prosecutors have since opened an investigation after the FFF filed a complaint with France’s online hate unit.
The Paraguayan government also distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, saying they do not represent the government’s or the Paraguayan people’s position.
France’s win over Paraguay set up a major World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco.
The match is scheduled for Thursday in Boston, with kick-off at 9 p.m. Moroccan time.
The controversy gives France an uncomfortable background before facing the Atlas Lions.
Morocco, meanwhile, enter the match after beating Canada 3-0 and reaching the quarterfinals for the second World Cup in a row.
