France proceed their pursuit of a 3rd World Cup title once they face Paraguay within the last-16 at Lincoln Monetary Subject in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Les Bleus have been one of many standout groups of World Cup 2026 up to now, successful all 4 of their matches and scoring a tournament-leading 12 targets, whereas Paraguay arrive filled with confidence after producing one of many competitors’s largest shocks by eliminating Germany on penalties.
Julio Enciso’s aim helped power additional time towards the Germans earlier than Jose Canale transformed the decisive penalty.
Paraguay have now misplaced solely 5 of their final 23 internationals; nonetheless, France current a wholly completely different problem.
Didier Deschamps’ males have swept apart each opponent they’ve confronted in North America, topping Group I with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway earlier than comfortably defeating Sweden 3-0 within the Spherical of 32.
Kylian Mbappe has as soon as once more been the focus of France’s assault, whereas Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola have added additional firepower to one of the crucial harmful ahead strains in worldwide soccer.
Historical past additionally favours Les Bleus. Paraguay have by no means overwhelmed France in 5 earlier conferences, whereas the French famously eradicated La Albirroja within the 1998 World Cup last-16 because of Laurent Blanc’s golden aim.
Staff information for Paraguay vs France
Paraguay are anticipated to stay with out skilled defender Omar Alderete, who continues to get better from a knee damage.
Jose Canale ought to subsequently proceed alongside captain Gustavo Gomez in central defence after his heroics towards Germany.
Diego Gomez is on the market once more after suspension and will return to midfield alongside Andres Cubas, whereas Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron are anticipated to offer attacking assist for Gabriel Avalos.
France haven’t any recent damage considerations heading into the competition.
Marcus Thuram stays a doubt attributable to a calf subject, however Didier Deschamps is unlikely to make main adjustments after the convincing win over Sweden.
Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the assault as soon as once more, supported by Dembele, Olise and Barcola, whereas Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are anticipated to proceed in midfield.
William Saliba is about to accomplice Dayot Upamecano on the coronary heart of defence in entrance of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Anticipated line-ups for Paraguay vs France
Paraguay beginning XI: Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, Diego Gomez; Almiron, Avalos, Enciso
France beginning XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
The place to look at Paraguay vs France: TV channel, on-line dwell stream
The match takes place on Saturday, July 4 at Lincoln Monetary Subject in Philadelphia, with kick-off scheduled at 22:00 BST.
Within the UK, the match can be broadcast on BBC One and different channels, together with on-line by way of BBC IPlayer.
Paraguay vs France stats
- Les Bleus are the event’s highest scorers with 12 targets.
- France have scored a minimum of three targets in every of their final 4 World Cup matches
- Kylian Mbappe has scored six targets in 4 appearances on the event
- Michael Olise has registered 5 assists and is one away from matching Pele’s World Cup file of six in a single event
- France have gained 15 of their final 18 World Cup matches courting again to the beginning of the 2018 event
- Didier Deschamps has recorded 18 World Cup victories as a supervisor, essentially the most in event historical past
- La Albirroja have misplaced simply one in every of their 4 matches at World Cup 2026
- Paraguay have by no means overwhelmed France in 5 earlier conferences (two attracts, three defeats)
- Paraguay have misplaced solely 5 of their final 23 worldwide matches throughout all competitions
Prediction for Paraguay vs France
Paraguay deserve huge credit score for his or her run to the last-16 and have proven all through the event that they’re able to irritating elite opponents.
Nevertheless, France possess considerably larger attacking high quality and arrive in excellent type after 4 consecutive victories.
Alfaro’s facet ought to stay aggressive for lengthy durations, however Mbappe and firm are anticipated to seek out the breakthrough and information Les Bleus into the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France
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