- Here is the Paraguay vs France prediction article for World Cup 2026 which breaks down form, key players,odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The match will be staged at the Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) .
- Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 EAT on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Paraguay will be looking to continue their fairytale FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they face tournament favourites France in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash on Sunday.
Los Guaraníes stunned four-time champions Germany in the Round of 32, prevailing on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw to reach the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time since South Africa 2010.
Gustavo Alfaro’s disciplined side now face an even sterner test against a France team that has been one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Didier Deschamps’ men arrive in red-hot form after dismantling Sweden 3-1 in the previous round. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Bradley Barcola also found the net as Les Bleus extended their remarkable attacking run to 13 goals in four matches, the highest tally by any team remaining in the competition.
Paraguay’s journey has been built on resilience. After opening the tournament with a heavy 4-1 defeat to co-hosts USA, they responded with a battling 1-0 victory over Türkiye despite playing the entire second half with ten men before securing a goalless draw against Australia to book their place in the knockout rounds.
Their biggest moment came against Germany, where Julio Enciso gave them the lead before Kai Havertz equalised. Paraguay defended resolutely throughout extra time before keeping their composure in the penalty shoot-out to complete one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
France, meanwhile, have looked every inch title contenders. After progressing comfortably through the group stage, they produced another dominant attacking display against Sweden, with Michael Olise continuing his outstanding tournament by providing two more assists to take his tally to five.
What time does Paraguay vs France start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 AM (EAT) on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Paraguay vs France team news
Paraguay have received a timely boost with midfielder Diego Gómez returning from suspension after missing the victory over Germany.
However, there are fitness concerns over Julio Enciso, who was forced off during the Round of 32 victory, while experienced defender Omar Alderete also remains doubtful after missing the previous match.
Miguel Almirón is available again after serving his suspension and is expected to return to the starting lineup.
France have no major injury concerns heading into the contest.
Deschamps is expected to retain the core of the side that impressed against Sweden, although Theo Hernández could replace Lucas Digne at left-back after Digne struggled defensively in the previous match.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is also expected to continue in midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot, while Bradley Barcola’s goal against Sweden may keep Désiré Doué on the bench.
Predicted lineups
- Paraguay possible starting XI (4-2-3-1) Gill;Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Canale, Alonso;Cubas, Galarza;Almirón, Diego Gómez, Enciso;Sanabria.
- France possible starting XI (4-2-3-1) Maignan;Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernández;Tchouaméni, Rabiot;Dembélé, Olise, Barcola;Mbappé.
Paraguay vs France head-to-head and current form
France have won both previous FIFA World Cup meetings between the two nations.
Their first encounter came in the 1958 World Cup, when France claimed a thrilling 7-3 victory in the group stage. They met again in the 1998 Round of 16, with Laurent Blanc’s famous golden goal sealing a 1-0 win for the hosts in extra time; a France side that included current head coach Didier Deschamps before they went on to lift the trophy.
Paraguay have reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for only the second time since 2010 and are hoping to equal their best-ever World Cup finish by reaching the quarter-finals.
France, meanwhile, boast one of the strongest recent World Cup records. Les Bleus have won 15 of their last 18 World Cup matches and have emerged victorious in 17 of their last 20 knockout-stage matches in the competition.
France have also become the first team in World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive World Cup matches, underlining their attacking efficiency.
Les Bleus have scored 149 goals in World Cup history, leaving them just one goal shy of becoming only the fourth nation to reach the landmark of 150 after Brazil, Germany and Argentina.
Kylian Mbappé continues to rewrite the record books. His brace against Sweden marked the seventh time he has scored two or more goals in a World Cup match;more than any player in the tournament’s history.
ALSO READ:France player ratings as Mbappe stars in commanding victory over Sweden
Paraguay vs France prediction
Paraguay have been one of the tournament’s surprise packages, frustrating opponents with an organised defensive structure, tactical discipline and dangerous counter-attacks led by Enciso and Almirón.
However, France possess arguably the most devastating attack left in the tournament.
Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise and Barcola have combined brilliantly throughout the competition, while Deschamps’ side have shown they can dominate both possession-based and transition-heavy matches.
Paraguay are expected to sit deep and remain compact, forcing France to be patient in possession, but Les Bleus’ movement, creativity and clinical finishing should eventually break down the South Americans’ resistance.