Paraguay have already produced one of the stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After stunning four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout, Gustavo Alfaro’s resilient side now face an even greater challenge as tournament favourites France await in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium.
Les Bleus have looked every bit the title contenders, winning all four of their matches while scoring a tournament-high 12 goals. Yet after watching Paraguay eliminate Germany through discipline, organisation and unwavering belief, Didier Deschamps knows his side cannot afford even the slightest lapse in concentration.
Match Preview
Few expected Paraguay to still be standing at this stage of the competition.
Following a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening group match, La Albirroja appeared destined for an early exit. Instead, Alfaro’s men responded magnificently, growing stronger with every performance before producing the tournament’s biggest shock by eliminating Germany after 120 fiercely contested minutes and a dramatic penalty shootout.
Their success has been built on defensive discipline and collective sacrifice. Paraguay rarely dominate possession, but few teams defend with greater concentration or commitment. Julio Enciso has emerged as their creative spark, Miguel Almirón continues to provide pace on the counterattack, while veteran defender Gustavo Gómez has marshalled one of the tournament’s toughest backlines.
Confidence throughout the squad has never been higher.
Standing in their way, however, is arguably the most complete team left in the competition.
France have swept through the tournament with four consecutive victories, scoring twelve goals while conceding very little. Their attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola has overwhelmed opponents with pace, movement and technical quality, making Les Bleus one of the most feared sides in the knockout stage.
Mbappé remains the headline act.
The French captain scored twice against Sweden in the Round of 32 to continue another outstanding World Cup campaign, while Michael Olise has quietly become one of the tournament’s standout creators, registering five assists already.
There is also a strong historical narrative surrounding this fixture.
The last time these nations met at the World Cup came in France 1998, when Laurent Blanc’s famous golden goal ended Paraguay’s memorable run in the Round of 16. Nearly three decades later, La Albirroja have another opportunity to rewrite history against the same opponents.
France remain overwhelming favourites, but Paraguay have already shown that reputations carry little weight once the knockout rounds begin.
Team News
Paraguay are expected to remain without centre-back Omar Alderete, who continues to recover from a knee injury suffered during the group stage. José Canale should therefore retain his place alongside captain Gustavo Gómez in central defence.
Diego Gómez returns from suspension and is expected to strengthen the midfield alongside Andrés Cubas, while Julio Enciso, Miguel Almirón and Gabriel Ávalos continue to lead Paraguay’s attack.
France have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the contest. Marcus Thuram remains doubtful with a calf issue, but Didier Deschamps is expected to retain the same starting eleven that comfortably defeated Sweden.
Kylian Mbappé will once again spearhead the attack, supported by Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot provide balance in midfield.
Form Guide
Paraguay: W-D-W-W-L
Paraguay have transformed their tournament after an opening defeat, growing into one of the competition’s most organised and resilient teams.
France: W-W-W-W-W
Les Bleus remain the only team alongside Argentina and Mexico to maintain a perfect record, combining defensive solidity with devastating attacking efficiency.
Predicted Lineups
Paraguay: Gill; Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, Diego Gómez; Almirón, Ávalos, Enciso.
France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.
Prediction
Paraguay have already proven they can frustrate elite opposition through discipline and defensive organisation. Germany discovered that the hard way.
France, however, present an entirely different challenge. Their attacking depth, movement between the lines and ability to create chances from multiple areas of the pitch make them considerably more difficult to contain over ninety minutes.
Paraguay should remain competitive for long periods, but if France maintain the intensity they have shown throughout the tournament, Les Bleus possess enough firepower to eventually break down another stubborn defence and continue their march towards the title.
We Say
Paraguay 0-2 France
Kick-off: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
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