By OkayGoal 
France 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 of World Cup 2026 so far, winning all four of their matches and scoring a tournament-leading 12 goals, while Paraguay arrive full of confidence after producing one of the competition’s biggest shocks by eliminating 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 only five of their last 23 internationals; however, France present an entirely different challenge.
Didier Deschamps’ men have swept aside every opponent they have faced in North America, topping Group I with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before comfortably defeating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Kylian Mbappe has once again been the focal point of France’s attack, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola have added further firepower to one of the most dangerous forward lines in international football.
History also favours Les Bleus. Paraguay have never beaten France in five previous meetings, while the French famously eliminated La Albirroja in the 1998 World Cup last-16 thanks to Laurent Blanc’s golden goal.
Team news for Paraguay vs France
Paraguay are expected to remain without experienced defender Omar Alderete, who continues to recover from a knee injury.
Jose Canale should therefore continue alongside captain Gustavo Gomez in central defence 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 fresh injury concerns heading into the contest.
Marcus Thuram remains a doubt due to a calf issue, but Didier Deschamps is unlikely to make major changes after the convincing win over Sweden.
Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack once again, supported by Dembele, Olise and Barcola, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are expected to continue in midfield.
William Saliba is set to partner Dayot Upamecano at the heart of defence in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Expected line-ups for Paraguay vs France
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, online live stream
The match takes place on Saturday, July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with kick-off scheduled at 22:00 BST.
In the UK, the match will be broadcast on BBC One and other channels, including online through BBC IPlayer.
Paraguay vs France stats
- Les Bleus are the tournament’s highest scorers 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 appearances at the tournament
- Michael Olise has registered five assists and is one away from matching Pele’s World Cup record of six in a single tournament
- France have won 15 of their last 18 World Cup matches dating back to the start of the 2018 tournament
- Didier Deschamps has recorded 18 World Cup victories as a manager, the most in tournament history
- La Albirroja have lost just one of their four matches at World Cup 2026
- Paraguay have never beaten France in five previous meetings (two draws, three defeats)
- Paraguay have lost only five of their last 23 international matches across all competitions
Prediction for Paraguay vs France
Paraguay deserve enormous credit for their run to the last-16 and have shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of frustrating elite opponents.
However, France possess significantly greater attacking quality and arrive in outstanding form after four consecutive victories.
Alfaro’s side should remain competitive for long periods, but Mbappe and company are expected to find the breakthrough and guide Les Bleus into the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France
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