France continue their quest for their third World Cup title when they face Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday – they face a team that has already shocked the entire football world.
Les Bleus have been one of the most impressive teams in the 2026 World Cup so far. Four games, four wins, and 12 goals – more than any other team in the tournament. France have simply swept all opponents off the pitch, topping Group I with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, before comfortably beating Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32.
Read: Marc-André ter Stegen transfer is in the box
Paraguay, on the other hand, arrives in Philadelphia full of confidence – and for good reason. They were responsible for one of the biggest surprises of the tournament when they knocked out Germany on penalties in the previous round. Julio Enciso scored the equaliser that took the game to extra time, before José Canalé scored the decisive penalty.
Now Paraguay has only lost five of their last 23 international matches – but France is a completely different calibre.
Mbappé and the French attacking machinery
Kylian Mbappé has once again been at the centre of France’s attack with six goals in four games, while Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olisé and Bradley Barcola have added additional firepower – creating one of the most dangerous attacking lines in international football. Olisé already has five assists and is one away from surpassing Pelé’s legendary record of six assists in a World Cup.
History also speaks for Les Bleus. Paraguay have never beaten France in five previous meetings, while the French famously knocked out La Albirroja in the last eight in 1998 – thanks to Laurent Blanc’s historic golden goal.
Team news
Paraguay: Experienced defender Omar Alderete is still out with a knee injury. José Canalé is therefore expected to continue alongside captain Gustavo Gómez in central defence – after his heroics against Germany.
Diego Gómez is available again after suspension, and could return to midfield alongside Andrés Cubas. Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón are expected to provide attacking support to striker Gabriel Ávalos.
France: Has no new injury concerns. Marcus Thuram is still uncertain with a calf problem, but Didier Deschamps is expected to field an unchanged squad after the convincing win over Sweden.
Mbappé leads the attack with Dembélé, Olisé and Barcola on the wings. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot continue in midfield, while William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano form a stopper pair ahead of Mike Maignan in goal.
Probable line-ups
Paraguay (XI): Gill – Cáceres, Gómez, Canalé, Alonso – Galarza, Cubas, Diego Gómez – Almirón, Ávalos, Enciso
France (XI): Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Dembélé, Olisé, Barcola – Mbappé
How to watch the match
Kick-off: Saturday 4 July (early Sunday Norwegian time)
TV (UK): Check local channels
Streaming: Via BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport
Key figures
France:
- Les Bleus are the tournament’s top scorers with 12 goals
- France have scored at least three goals in each of their last four World Cup matches
- Kylian Mbappé has scored six goals in four games in the championship
- Michael Olisé has five assists – one shy of Pelé’s record of six in a World Cup
- France have won 15 of their last 18 World Cup matches since 2018
- Didier Deschamps has 18 World Cup victories as manager – the most in the tournament’s history
Paraguay:
- La Albirroja have only lost one of their four matches at the 2026 World Cup
- Paraguay have never beaten France in five previous attempts (two draws, three losses)
- Paraguay have only lost five of their last 23 international matches across all competitions
Our Prediction
Paraguay deserve huge credit for reaching the last eight, and they have shown throughout the championship that they are capable of frustrating even the best of opponents.
However, France has significantly greater attacking quality and is in brilliant form after four straight wins. Paraguay coach Alfaro’s side are likely to remain competitive for long periods, but Mbappé and his teammates are expected to find their breakthrough – and lead Les Bleus to the quarter-finals.
Divination: Paraguay 0-2 France
Nordic countries in the World Cup: A complete historical overview
