France will be overwhelming favourites when they face Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Preview
France have looked every bit like title contenders so far in the World Cup. They breezed through the group stage with three consecutive victories before comfortably dispatching Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Kylian Mbappe continued his sensational form with another brace, while Michael Olise produced another outstanding display to underline France’s remarkable attacking depth.
France have been ruthless in front of goal, becoming the first nation to score at least three goals in five consecutive World Cup matches.
Mbappe has already netted six goals at the tournament, briefly drawing level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, while Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and Olise have all played key roles in one of the most dangerous attacking units in the competition.
𝐔𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐫 🥊
Il faudra tout donner pour décrocher la qualification en quart de finale de la Coupe du Monde 🙌
Rendez-vous à 23h00 sur M6 et beIN SPORTS 1 📺
🇵🇾🇫🇷 #PARFRA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/CY8bihZM7e
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 4, 2026
Paraguay, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after producing one of the biggest shocks of the knockout stage. Gustavo Alfaro’s men frustrated four-time champions Germany throughout 120 minutes before prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The South Americans are unlikely to alter their approach against France. Paraguay are expected to defend deep, stay compact, and look to punish Les Bleus through quick counter-attacks and set pieces.
They successfully frustrated Germany by limiting clear-cut opportunities, and they will hope to repeat that blueprint against another European heavyweight.
France, however, possess considerably more attacking firepower than Germany and will look to stretch Paraguay’s defensive shape.
Team News
Paraguay are expected to be without Sunderland defender Omar Alderete, who is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered in the final group-stage match.
His absence should see Jose Canale keep his place alongside experienced captain Gustavo Gomez in central defence. Juan Jose Caceres and Junior Alonso are expected to continue as the full-backs.
There is better news in midfield, where Brighton’s Diego Gomez returns after serving a one-match suspension. He is likely to partner Andres Cubas, while Damian Bobadilla and Matias Galarza compete for the remaining midfield spot.
For France, the starting lineup is expected to remain the same but Tchouameni will miss the Paraguay tie due to an injury. He will be replaced by Manu Kone.
France vs Paraguay Predicted Starting XI
Paraguay Predicted XI
Gill; Caceres, G. Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, D. Gomez; Almiron, Avalos, Enciso
France Predicted XI
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Predicted Scoreline
France 3-0 Paraguay
