Paraguay face a difficult Round of 16 test against title favourites, France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Paraguay overcame Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32, whilst France comfortably dispatched Sweden in a 3-0 victory.
Team News
Diego Gomez is available for Paraguay after he was suspended for their victory over Germany on penalties – following a 1-1 draw.
Omar Alderete sat out that match as a precaution due to a minor knee injury but is now available for selection.
France have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 3-0 win over Sweden, with Marcus Thuram set to return after he missed that match due to a calf injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Paraguay meet France at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA, at 5pm EDT (10pm BST) on Saturday 4 July, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Paraguay have never avoided defeat to France in two previous World Cup meetings (L2), as they lost 7-3 in the 1958 edition then 1-0 in the 1998 edition.
- France have kept clean sheets in three of five previous meetings against Paraguay in all competitions (W3, D2).
- Every outfield member of Paraguay’s squad have played at least one minute at this tournament.
- No member of France’s squad has committed more fouls at this tournament than Adrien Rabiot (7).
Prediction
Having battled to a gutsy win over Germany on penalties with their ‘park the bus’ style, Paraguay now need to replicate that performance if they’re to stand any chance of keeping the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele quiet.
France though certainly bided their time against Sweden in their clinically ruthless win which might actually stand them in good stead for this game, where patience might be required initially but they do have the quality needed to break down Paraguay’s defence.
In fact, I can see this being a routine win for France if they get that first goal.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France