France will look to continue their impressive march at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on Paraguay in a Round of 16 showdown, with Didier Deschamps expected to stick with the side that has powered Les Bleus into the knockout stages.
The two-time world champions have emerged as one of the standout teams in the tournament after comfortably dispatching Sweden in the Round of 32.
Their performances throughout the competition have underlined why many consider them among the strongest contenders for the title, with a squad packed with experience, technical quality and attacking firepower.
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Standing in their way is a Paraguay side that shocked Germany to reach the last 16. While the South Americans have shown resilience and defensive discipline, France will enter the contest as overwhelming favourites thanks to the quality available across every department of the pitch.
Deschamps is unlikely to make wholesale changes, especially with a fully fit squad available for selection. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan is expected to continue between the posts after another composed display in the previous round.
Although he has rarely been called into action, the AC Milan shot-stopper has provided assurance whenever required and remains one of the tournament’s most reliable goalkeepers.
The defensive quartet should once again consist of Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Lucas Digne. Koundé has balanced his defensive duties with intelligent overlapping runs, while the central pairing of Upamecano and Saliba has formed one of the competition’s strongest partnerships.
Digne appears to have edged ahead of Theo Hernandez at left-back, providing quality deliveries from wide areas and defensive stability.
In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot are expected to retain their places. Tchouaméni continues to dictate the tempo with his positioning and ball-winning ability, while Rabiot’s tireless work rate allows France’s attacking players the freedom to express themselves further forward.
The attacking quartet has been France’s biggest weapon throughout the tournament. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé has rediscovered his best form on the right wing, stretching defences with his pace and creativity.
Michael Olise has quietly become one of the tournament’s most influential playmakers, registering five assists while constantly linking midfield with attack.
On the left, Désiré Doué is tipped to return ahead of Bradley Barcola, with his close control and ability to unlock compact defences making him the preferred option against Paraguay’s expected low defensive block.
Leading the line will be captain Kylian Mbappé, who continues to rewrite World Cup history.
The French superstar arrives in the Round of 16 in outstanding form after another clinical display against Sweden, and his movement, finishing and explosive pace make him the biggest threat in France’s pursuit of another world title.
With balance across the pitch, exceptional squad depth and one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking units, France will be confident of securing a place in the quarter-finals if they can reproduce the performances that have defined their campaign so far.
France predicted lineup vs Paraguay
Predicted France XI (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.
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Spain national football team 2026
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France national football team 2026
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