Preview: Paraguay vs France – Latest News, Predicted Lineups, Team News | 2026 World Cup (04/07/2026)

Last update at 3 July, 2026⏲️ Reading time: 6 minutes

Round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France.

Paraguay and France face off in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Paraguay and France meet in Philadelphia on Saturday night with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake. France arrive as one of the strongest teams left in the tournament.

Didier Deschamps’ side have won all four of their matches so far and reached the last 16 by beating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice in that victory, moving to six goals for the tournament and strengthening his chances of winning the World Cup Golden Boot race.

Paraguay’s path has been very different, but their confidence could hardly be higher. Gustavo Alfaro’s side produced one of the shocks of the tournament by eliminating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Orlando Gill made two key saves in the shootout, while José Canale converted the decisive sudden-death penalty.

France are clear favourites, but Paraguay have already proved they can survive pressure, frustrate elite opponents and keep their nerve when the margins become brutal.

Latest news: absences, form, team news

Mbappé remains the headline act, while Michael Olise has been one of the creative stars of the World Cup with a tournament-high five assists so far. Bradley Barcola also scored against Sweden, giving Deschamps another reason to keep faith with the attacking structure that worked so well in the last round.

Paraguay are still waiting on Omar Alderete’s fitness. Canale replaced him against Germany and delivered a huge performance alongside captain Gustavo Gómez, so Alfaro may decide not to change that partnership even if Alderete is closer to a return.

Paraguay

Paraguay are expected to stay compact and disciplined, just as they did against Germany. Gill should continue in goal after his penalty heroics, with Gustavo Gómez leading the defence. Canale is a strong candidate to start again, particularly if Alderete is not fully fit. Gabriel Avalos and Julio Enciso are also doubtful after being forced off in the Round of 32 game against the German side. Gustavo Caballero and Mauricio could fill in should their teammates miss out.

France

Deschamps has little reason to make major changes after another convincing performance. Mike Maignan should continue in goal, with Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne expected to form the back four. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot give France control and athleticism in midfield. Further forward, Mbappé will again be the main threat. Olise’s creativity between the lines has been vital, while Ousmane Dembélé and Barcola give France pace and direct running on either side of the attack.

Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats

France have never lost to Paraguay at senior international level. The most famous meeting came at the 1998 World Cup, when Laurent Blanc scored the golden goal in extra time to send eventual champions France through. Paraguay have frustrated France before, but history strongly favours Les Bleus.

Previous meetings:

08/06/1958: France 7-3 Paraguay (FIFA World Cup)
28/06/1998: France 1-0 Paraguay (FIFA World Cup)
31/05/2008: France 0-0 Paraguay (International friendly)
01/06/2014: France 1-1 Paraguay (International friendly)
02/06/2017: France 5-0 Paraguay (International friendly)

Predicted line-ups

Paraguay are likely to remain close to the side that eliminated Germany, with Alderete’s fitness the main defensive question. France should also keep the core that beat Sweden so convincingly.

Position	–Paraguay	–France
Goalkeeper	Orlando Gill	Mike Maignan
Defenders	Juan Cáceres Gustavo Gómez José Canale Junior Alonso	Jules Koundé William Saliba Dayot Upamecano Lucas Digne
Midfielders	Miguel Almirón Damián Bobadilla Andrés Cubas Matías Galarza	Aurélien Tchouaméni Adrien Rabiot Michael Olise
Forwards	Gabriel Ávalos Julio Enciso	Ousmane Dembélé Kylian Mbappé Bradley Barcola

Tactical analysis: Can Paraguay survive France’s firepower?

Alfaro’s side will try to keep the game narrow, defend close to their own box and deny France space between the lines. That is easier said than done, as France are not relying on one route to goal. Mbappé can destroy teams in transition, Dembélé can beat defenders one-on-one, Barcola attacks space aggressively and Olise has the passing range to unlock compact blocks.

Paraguay’s best hope is to make the match slow and physical. If they can frustrate France, win second balls and keep the score level deep into the second half, the pressure may begin to shift. Their win over Germany showed that they have the discipline and mentality to survive long spells without control.

Key players to watch

Julio Enciso (Paraguay)

Enciso is Paraguay’s most gifted attacking player and probably their best chance of producing something unexpected. He can carry the ball, shoot from distance and draw fouls in dangerous areas. Against France, he may spend long periods without service. That makes his decision-making even more important. Paraguay will need him to be brave when he receives possession, but also precise, because turnovers could quickly become French counter-attacks. Enciso to register a shot on target looks like one of the standout picks.

Kylian Mbappé (France)

Mbappé has been the defining player of France’s tournament. His double against Sweden moved him to six goals at this World Cup and confirmed that he is one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Paraguay will defend deep, but Mbappé does not need much space to hurt opponents. Whether cutting inside, attacking the back post or running beyond the last defender, he remains the player Paraguay must stop above all others. Mbappé anytime goalscorer will be short, so France to win and Mbappé to score may offer the best value bet for France vs Paraguay.

Where to watch Paraguay vs France in the UK and Ireland

Paraguay vs France kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday, July 4 at Philadelphia Stadium, also known as Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live across the BBC and ITV World Cup schedule, with final channel allocation confirmed closer to kick-off.

In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.

Market insights and probability predictions

France are heavy favourites to reach the quarter-finals. The current 2026 World Cup odds imply approximately a 76% chance of a France win inside 90 minutes, compared to around 8% for Paraguay, while the draw is rated at roughly 16%.

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Paraguay deserve enormous respect after eliminating Germany and will not be intimidated by another European heavyweight. However, France look sharper, deeper and more ruthless than anyone Paraguay have faced so far. If Deschamps’ side score early, the match could become very difficult for the underdogs.

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