Paraguay
World CupWhy this tip?
Paraguay have proven they can mix it with the best with their teamwork and resolute defence but this will be a bridge too far. France’s superior quality, depth and attacking firepower will be too much for the South Americans to handle therefore I am predicting a Les Bleus victory by 3-0.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Round of 16
Date: 04 July 2026
Kick-off time: 23:00 (SA Time)
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Match Details
France did not impress in their warm up friendlies and looked sluggish but the tournament favourites have sprung into form with four wins on the bounce and will be heavily favoured to win this Round of 16 encounter against one of the surprise packages, Paraguay. La Albirroja have punched well above their weight especially in the last round where they dumped four times champions German out. This match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. South African viewers can catch the action from 23:00 on Saturday 04 July.
Why This Match Matters
Paraguay made history in their last match when they became the first team ever to beat Germany in a penalty shootout. This is a far cry from their 4-1 opening round defeat they suffered at the hands of the USA. France on the other hand have had no issues in cruising into the Round of 16. They have been scoring goals for fun and have already amassed a tournament high of 12. Their quest for a third title is firmly on course and could become the first nation to make the finals in three consecutive tournaments. This is the classic David vs Goliath encounter and we all know how that ended for David so anything is possible but highly improbable.
Paraguay vs France Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
These teams have met once before back in 2010 with The Pharaohs coming away with a 3-0 victory in what was a friendly international.
Paraguay’s Recent Form
Paraguay’s last five matches: WLWDW
Recent results include:
29/06/26 (World Cup): Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties)
26/06/26 (World Cup): Paraguay 0-0 Australia
20/06/26 (World Cup): Turkey 0-1 Paraguay
13/06/26 (World Cup): USA 4-1 Paraguay
06/06/26 (Friendly): Paraguay 4-0 Nicaragua
Recent form: Nobody gave Paraguay a chance to progress to the Round of 32 after they lost their opening match to 4-1 USA but they showed great resilience to bounce back and beat Turkey in their next match. Their goalless draw against Australia ensured they progressed from the group stage. In the Round of 32, they produced one of the biggest upsets in recent World Cup knockouts when they beat Germany in a penalty shootout.
France’s Recent Form
France’s last five matches: WWWWW
Recent results include:
30/06/26 (World Cup): France 3-0 Sweden
26/06/26 (World Cup): Norway 1-4 France
22/06/26 (World Cup): France 3-0 Iraq
16/06/26 (World Cup): France 3-1 Senegal
08/06/26 (Friendly): France 3-1 Northern Ireland
Recent form: Pre- tournament favourites France head into the Round of 16 in sublime form and are one of only three teams that have won all four of their matches to date. They topped their group with ease, claiming victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before producing one of the performances of the tournament in dismantling Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. They could have won by an even bigger margin if their finishing was better.
Team News
Paraguay Team News
Omar Alderete is expected to miss out with a knee injury which will mean Jose Canale will partner Gustavo Gómez in defence. Diego Gómez returns from suspension and is set to join Andrés Cubas and Matías Galarza in midfield.
Injuries: Omar Alderete is expected to miss out with a knee injury
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Paraguay will look to Miguel Almirón will have the difficult task of driving the attack although most of his opportunities are likely to come off counter attack. Julio Enciso needs to provide flair in the final third to break the French defence. Diego Gómez and Andrés Cubas will need to be at their best in midfield to control the supply to the rampant French front four. At the back, experienced captain Gustavo Gómez will marshal the defence alongside Fabián Balbuena, with goalkeeper Gatito Fernández expected to be in the firing line.
France Team News
Coach Didier Deschamps will be very tempted to retain the same team that started against Sweden as the performance was near perfect. Marcus Thuram is still battling with a calf injury and remains doubtful for this clash.
Injuries: Marcus Thuram is the only injury doubt ahead of the match.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: France have firepower across the front four with Kylian Mbappé leading the attack with six goals. His pace and vision for goal is second to none Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola will provide creativity and width in support while Michael Olise seems to find assists from almost impossible situations.Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot will control the midfield and dictate the tempo which will keep the opposition midfield occupied. At the back, the experienced partnership of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba will be vital in keeping Paraguay’s attack under control, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan not expected to be too busy.
Predicted Lineups
Paraguay Predicted XI
Gatito Fernández; Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Fabián Balbuena, Junior Alonso; Matías Galarza, Andrés Cubas, Diego Gómez; Miguel Almirón, Gabriel Ávalos, Julio Enciso.
France Predicted XI
Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappé.
Best Betting Markets for Paraguay vs France
Match Winner
Prediction: France to win @ (1.21) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals @(1.61) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- No @ (1.53) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime @ (1.56) at Easybet
Paraguay vs France Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: France to win and over 2.5 goals @(1.71) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Paraguay 0 – 3 France @ (7.25) at Easybet
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Match analysis and verdict
The strength of Paraguay since their opening round defeat has been their incredible defensive structure that has seen the entire team help in falling back when possession is lost. This tactic will be much harder to implement against a French team that has so many attacking weapons from the midfield and wings to the mercurial Mbappe and Dembele. France will continue with their game plan of dominating possession through the likes of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot which will allow Dembélé, Olise and Barcola to create opportunities for Mbappé. The defence of France has not really been tested so far and that is again likely to be the case as most of the Paraguay attacks are likely to be off transition ball.
Paraguay have proven they can mix it with the best with their teamwork and resolute defence but this will be a bridge too far. France’s superior quality, depth and attacking firepower will be too much for the South Americans to handle therefore I am predicting a Les Bleus victory by 3-0.
Prediction: Paraguay 0 – 3 France
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
