Paraguay vs France: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Match Prediction

• France enter the Round of 16 unbeaten and among the tournament favourites
• Paraguay stunned Germany to reach the knockout stages and will look to frustrate Les Bleus
• Marcus Thuram is unavailable for France, while Paraguay are without defender Omar Alderete
• Kylian Mbappé and Julio Enciso headline a fascinating battle in Philadelphia

France will look to continue their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they meet Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday.

Didier Deschamps’ side have looked among the competition’s strongest teams, combining defensive solidity with an attack led by Kylian Mbappé that has overwhelmed opponents throughout the group stage. Les Bleus now face a Paraguay side that has already exceeded expectations after progressing from a difficult group and producing one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by eliminating Germany.

While France are overwhelming favourites to reach the quarter-finals, Paraguay have built their tournament on organization, resilience and clinical counter-attacking, making them dangerous knockout opponents.

Team News

France have only one significant absentee heading into the knockout tie. Marcus Thuram remains unavailable after suffering a calf injury and has been ruled out of the match.

Aurélien Tchouaméni has been managing a minor fitness concern but is widely expected to start alongside Adrien Rabiot in midfield. Didier Deschamps is otherwise expected to name a full-strength side, with Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola supporting captain Kylian Mbappé in attack.

Paraguay have been dealt a blow by the absence of experienced centre-back Omar Alderete, who misses the match through a knee injury. José Canale is expected to replace him alongside captain Gustavo Gómez.

Midfielder Diego Gómez returns after serving a suspension, while Julio Enciso has recovered from the fitness concerns that followed the dramatic clash with Germany and is expected to start.

Predicted Lineups

Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, José Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, Diego Gómez, Miguel Almirón; Julio Enciso, Gabriel Ávalos.

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Michael Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.

Match Prediction

France have arguably been the standout team of the tournament, combining attacking flair with impressive defensive discipline. Their front four possess the creativity and pace to stretch even the most organised backlines, while Deschamps’ side have consistently controlled possession and dictated matches.

Paraguay deserve enormous credit for reaching the knockout stage, particularly after their resilient performances and upset victory over Germany. Their compact defensive shape and willingness to absorb pressure before launching quick counters have troubled stronger opponents throughout the competition.

However, facing France represents an entirely different challenge. Les Bleus possess superior quality across every area of the pitch, and with Mbappé in prolific form alongside Olise, Dembélé and Barcola, they should eventually find ways through Paraguay’s resistance.

Paraguay are unlikely to make life easy and could frustrate France for long spells, but the European giants have enough firepower and experience to secure progression.

Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France