Paraguay vs France Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Les Bleus eye win over South American outfit.

Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) in Pennsylvania, United States of America, gears up to host the Round of 16 fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where two-time world champions France and South American outfit Paraguay lock horns in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

La Albirroja are coming after pulling one of the biggest upsets in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two penalties in the shootout to eliminate four-time world champions Germany. Most importantly, the South American team has conceded just one goal in the last three games.

They qualified as one of the best third-ranked teams, following their 4-1 defeat to hosts USA, a narrow win over Turkiye with a man down, and a goalless draw with Australia. Former Boca Juniors and Costa Rica gaffer Gustavo Alfaro is a legendary name in South American football and will be keen for another upset.

Les Bleus are enjoying the time of their lives and are arguably the best team so far in the FIFA World Cup 2026. From thrashing teams like Norway, Senegal and Iraq in the group stages to continuing their world-class form in the knockouts against Sweden, Deschamps’ men look unstoppable.

France boasts the most valuable squad in the FIFA World Cup 2026, and even their star-studded bench adds depth and gives Deschamps many opportunities to choose his best combination. They are the clear favourites to win the game, but the two-time champions will be wary of the threats posed by Paraguay.

The winner of this game will lock horns with either Canada or Morocco in the quarterfinals fixture at the Boston Stadium in the United States.

The Round of 16 brings a fierce, knockout intensity where reputations matter less than 90 minutes of pure desire. The tournament enters a phase where absolute underdogs can stun football giants. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes battle where any result is possible and either side has everything it takes to win.

Kick-off:

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
• Date: Saturday, July 4
• Kick-off time: 10 p.m. BST, 5 p.m. local EDT [Sunday, July 5 at 2:30 a.m. IST]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Paraguay (in all competitions): D-D-W-L-W

France (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Orlando Gill (Paraguay)

Orlando Gill has become an overnight sensation in South America after his breathtaking saves against Germany saw Paraguay pull one of the biggest upsets in the FIFA World Cup 2026. He went on to deny Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah to propel Paraguay to Round of 16.

However, the going gets tough for Gill as he will face the best attacking lineup of France, boasting world-class offensive players like Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola and Olise. He plays for Argentine outfit San Lorenzo and will ply his trade in arguably the most important match of his career so far.

Bradley Barcola (France)

Born to a French mother and a Togolese father in the metropolis of Lyon in east-central France, the PSG left winger has already scored twice and given an assist.

From coming off the bench to making an impression in every game, Barcola has literally dominated the left flank and has been one of Deschamps’ best players in the tournament so far.

He scored a goal in the last game against Sweden. He will be up against Dinamo fullback Juan José Cáceres, who was terrifying in the last game and kept Florian Wirtz quiet.

Match Facts

• These two sides met each other twice in FIFA World Cup in 1958 and 1998
• Paraguay are yet to win a single game against France
• Olivier Giroud of France is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.

Paraguay vs France: Betting Tips and Odds

• France to win the game – 1/6 with bet365
• Michael Olise to score – 15/8 with bet365
• Paraguay 0-2 France – 9/2 with bet365

Injury and Team News

Sunderland defender Omar Alderete is expected to miss the next game due to injury concerns. Gustavo Alfaro might choose to stick to the same team that started against Germany. However, there are high chance Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez can be brought in to the lineup.

Marcus Thuram is still dealing with a calf problem and remains doubtful. Manu Kone will be keen to get a call back, but as it seems, Deschamps might be happy to continue with Rabiot and Tchouameni in the next game.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 05

Paraguay won: 00

France won: 03

Matches drawn: 02

Predicted Lineups

Paraguay predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Orlando Gill (GK); Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, José Canale, Júnior Alonso; Matías Galarza, Andrés Cubas, Diego Gómez; Miguel Almirón, Gabriel Ávalos, Julio Enciso.

France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan (GK); Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappé.

Match Prediction

Paraguay would be all up for another upset like Germany. However, France are in different form, not only are they unbeaten, they have convincingly won every single of their four World Cup games so far. We expect the Les Bleus to clinch an easy win and advance to the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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