France will win easily within 90 minutes.

Match Analysis

Paraguay is one of the most intriguing surprises of the 2026 World Cup. After a heavy 1-4 defeat to the USA in their opening match, coach Gustavo Alfaro's team underwent a strong transformation to qualify for the knockout stages, then created the biggest shock of the Round of 32 by eliminating Germany after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

Their courageous fighting spirit, disciplined defense, and ability to capitalize on chances proved that victory was entirely deserved.

Under Alfaro, Paraguay plays a highly organized style, prioritizing solidity before considering counter-attacks. The red-and-white striped team has lost only 5 of their last 23 matches in all competitions and consistently makes strong opponents struggle. Players like Julio Enciso, Miguel Almiron, or Gabriel Avalos have the potential to make a difference if given space behind the opponent's defense.

However, the challenge this time is much greater as they face the number one title contender. France is displaying formidable strength with a streak of 9 wins in their last 10 matches. Didier Deschamps' team successively defeated Senegal, Iraq, Norway, and Sweden, scoring a total of 13 goals while conceding only 2. The attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola are in exceptional form, bringing incredible speed, technique, and penetrating ability.

History also heavily favors Les Bleus, as Paraguay has never defeated France in their previous 5 meetings. Most notably is Paraguay's 0-1 loss to France in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16, decided by Laurent Blanc's golden goal. Over two decades later, the South American team has a chance to settle the old score, but the gap in squad quality remains very clear.

Paraguay will certainly opt for their familiar defensive and counter-attacking strategy to try and drag the match into a stalemate. However, with their squad depth, the pedigree of the 2018 world champions, and the explosive form of Mbappe and his teammates, France has strong grounds to settle the match within 90 minutes and advance to the quarter-finals.

Squad Comparison

Paraguay: Omar Alderete has not recovered from a knee injury and is likely to be absent. Diego Gomez returns after serving a suspension.

France: No new injury concerns. Marcus Thuram remains a doubt for the match due to a calf injury.

Expected Line-ups

Paraguay: Gill; Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Jose Canale, Junior Alonso; Matias Galarza, Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez; Miguel Almiron, Gabriel Avalos, Julio Enciso.

France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe.

Recent Form: Paraguay

30/6/2026 – Germany 1(3) - 1(4) Paraguay – World Cup 2026.

26/6/2026 – Paraguay 0-0 Australia – World Cup 2026.

20/6/2026 – Turkey 0-1 Paraguay – World Cup 2026.

13/6/2026 – USA 4-1 Paraguay – World Cup 2026.

6/6/2026 – Paraguay 4-0 Nicaragua – International Friendly.

Recent Form: France

1/7/2026 – France 3-0 Sweden – World Cup 2026.

27/6/2026 – Norway 1-4 France – World Cup 2026.

23/6/2026 – France 3-0 Iraq – World Cup 2026.

17/6/2026 – France 3-1 Senegal – World Cup 2026.

9/6/2026 – France 3-1 Northern Ireland – International Friendly.

Recent Head-to-Head between Paraguay and France

3/6/2017 – France 5-0 Paraguay – International Friendly.

2/6/2014 – France 1-1 Paraguay – International Friendly.

1/6/2008 – France 0-0 Paraguay – International Friendly.

28/6/1998 – France 1-0 Paraguay (after extra time) – World Cup 1998.

9/6/1958 – France 7-3 Paraguay – World Cup 1958.

Score Prediction: Paraguay 0-3 France