Paraguay and France face off in the round of 16 of the World Cup 2026. The match kicks off on Saturday, 4 July at 10 PM (BST) at the Lincoln Financial Field in the United States.
France enters the knockout stages as one of the tournament favourites, showcasing a powerful attack. In contrast, Paraguay progressed from their group, and will rely on their defensive strength. This prediction for Paraguay vs. France points to a fascinating clash of styles.
Discover our expert predictions for Paraguay vs. France and detailed analysis for this exciting encounter.
Match Overview - Paraguay vs. France
- Paraguay secured their spot in the World Cup round of 16 after a resilient group stage campaign. Their defensive strategy has been a key highlight.
- France secured their place in the last 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden. Les Bleus are strong title contenders, known for their devastating attacking quality.
- This World Cup knockout game is the sixth game between the two nations, France won three, and two ended in a tie.
Head-to-Head Record
- The most recent meeting between these nations was a friendly in 2017, where France won 5-0.
- Paraguay have scored 2 goals in 3 World Cup 2026 matches, averaging 0.67 goals per game.
- France have won all three of their group stage games in the tournament, scoring 13 goals and conceding only two.
- Paraguay: Midfielder Julio Enciso has been directly involved in three goals, scoring one and providing two assists.
- France: Kylian Mbappé is a strong contender for the Golden Boot, with six goals in three appearances.
- France: Michael Olise has been the main creator, supplying an impressive five assists.
Paraguay: Riding the Wave of a Historic Upset
Paraguay reached the round of 16 after a resilient group stage performance, built on defensive strength. Their World Cup campaign has seen them through a group stage with one win, one draw, and one loss. This is a well-organised side that thrives on frustrating stronger opponents.
Having scored only twice, the team relies on midfielder Julio Enciso, who has one goal and two assists. The main strength is a disciplined defensive unit, making them incredibly tough to break down.
Confidence is high after progressing from the group. Without Alderete, this team is weakened, but it can still be a tough nut to crack.
France: The Favourites in Full Flight
France has been in formidable form at the World Cup, winning all three of their group stage matches. Their attack has been devastating, scoring 13 goals while conceding only two. This dominant run has cemented their status as one of the leading contenders to win the entire tournament.
Kylian Mbappé leads their line with six goals, making him a strong candidate for the Golden Boot. He is brilliantly supported by Michael Olise, the team’s main creator, with five assists in the competition.
Even without Thuram, who is injured, this squad is at full strength and brimming with confidence. Their attacking quality will provide a massive test for Paraguay’s organised defensive unit.
Paraguay vs. France Prediction: France's attack to overwhelm Paraguay
France has been an unstoppable force, scoring freely in all of their World Cup matches. Their attacking quality, led by Kylian Mbappé, suggests this knockout tie could feature plenty of action, making a bet on "Over 2.5 Goals" a strong possibility.
Paraguay’s resilient group stage performance was built on incredible defensive grit, but this is a much bigger challenge. France’s relentless pressure and superior talent mean they could secure a comfortable victory, potentially winning with a "-1.5 Asian Handicap".
While Paraguay will undoubtedly defend with everything they have, France’s world-class squad should prove decisive in the end. Our main prediction is for France to win the match and book their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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| Double Chance & Over/Under | Either team to win and over 2.5 goals | |
| Asian Handicap | France to win with a -1.5 handicap | |
The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.
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| Double Chance & Over/Under | Either team to win and over 2.5 goals | |
| Asian Handicap | France to win with a -1.5 handicap | |
Where to Watch Paraguay vs. France
Find out where to watch Paraguay vs. France live.
- TV: BBC Sport (Gbr), BBC One (Gbr)
- Streaming: BBC Sport app (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC iPlayer (Gbr)
Paraguay vs. France Predicted Lineups
With a spot in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals on the line, every tactical choice is crucial. The anticipated Paraguay lineup looks set to create a balanced side, aiming to manage the game’s tempo effectively. On the other side, the expected France lineup features a blend of experience and dynamic talent, signalling their intent to take control of the match. Both managers have key decisions to make as they prepare their squads for this massive knockout encounter.
Paraguay
Gill; Alonso, G. Gómez, Canale, Cáceres; Almiron, Cubas, D. Gómez, Galarza; Enciso, Ávalos.
Manager: Gustavo Alfaro.
France
Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.
Manager: Didier Deschamps.
Match Details
Here are the match details:
- Match: Paraguay vs. France
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Date: 04/07/2026
- Kick-off: 10 PM (BST)
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, United States
- Broadcast: BBC Sport (Gbr), BBC Sport app (Gbr), BBC One (Gbr), BBC iPlayer (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr)
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