Predicted lineups, stats and preview for the World Cup clash

France continue the pursuit of thirds world championship title when they stand up Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Les Bleus have been one of the most impressive teams at the 2026 World Cup so far, winning all four of their matches and scoring a tournament-leading 12 goals, while Paraguay arrive full of confidence after pulling off one of the competition’s biggest shocks by eliminating Germany on penalties.

Julio Enciso’s goal forced extra time against the Germans before Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty.

Paraguay have now lost just five of their last 23 international matches; France, however, presents an entirely different challenge.

Didier Deschamps’ men beat every opponent they faced in North America, topping Group I with wins over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before comfortably beating Sweden 3-0 in the round of 16.

Kylian Mbappe was once again the focus of France’s attack, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olisset and Bradley Barkola added extra firepower to one of the most dangerous front lines in international football.

History also favors Les Bleus. Paraguay had never beaten France in five previous meetings, while the French famously eliminated La Albiroja in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup thanks to Laurent Blanc’s golden goal.

Team news for Paraguay vs France

Paraguay are expected to be without experienced defender Omar Alderete, who continues to recover from a knee injury.

Jose Canale should therefore continue alongside captain Gustavo Gomez in central defense after his heroics against Germany.

Diego Gomez is available again after suspension and could return in midfield alongside Andres Cubas, while Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron are expected to provide attacking support for Gabriel Avalos.

France have no new injury concerns ahead of the competition.

Marcus Thuram remains a doubt with a calf problem, but Didier Deschamps is unlikely to make major changes after the convincing win over Sweden.

Kylian Mbappe will once again spearhead the attack, supported by Dembele, Olisse and Barkola, while Aurélien Chouameni and Adrien Rabiot are expected to continue in midfield.

William Saliba is set to partner Dayot Upamecano in the heart of defense ahead of goalkeeper Mike Meignan.

Expected squads for Paraguay vs France

Paraguay Starting XI: gills; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, Diego Gomez; Almiron, Avalos, Enciso

France starting XI: Maignan; Counde, Upamecano, Salt, Worthy; Chuameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Oliseh, Barkola; Mbappe

Where to watch Paraguay vs France: TV channel, live stream online

The match will take place on Saturday 4th July at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 BST.

In the UK, the match will be broadcast on BBC One and other channels, including online via BBC IPlayer.

Paraguay vs France Stats

• Les Bleus are the top scorers in the tournament with 12 goals.
• France have scored at least three goals in each of their last four World Cup matches
• Kylian Mbappe scored six goals in four appearances at the tournament
• Michael Olisse registered five assists and is one away from Pele’s World Cup record of six in one tournament
• France have won 15 of their last 18 World Cup matches dating back to the start of the tournament in 2018.
• Didier Deschamps recorded 18 World Cup wins as a manager, the most in the tournament’s history
• La Albiroja have lost just one of their four matches at the 2026 World Cup
• Paraguay have never beaten France in five previous meetings (two draws, three defeats)
• Paraguay have lost just five of their last 23 international matches in all competitions

Paraguay vs France Prediction

Paraguay deserve huge credit for reaching the last 16 and have shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of frustrating elite opposition.

However, France possess significantly superior attacking qualities and arrive in outstanding form on the back of four consecutive victories.

Alfaro’s side must remain competitive for long periods, but expect Mbappe and co to find the breakthrough and take Les Bleus to the quarter-finals.

Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France

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