FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – ROUND OF 16
PARAGUAY……..…..0
FRANCE.……….….…1
France booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a determined Paraguay side at Lincoln Financial Field.
Paraguay, fresh from their historic penalty shootout win over Germany, frustrated France throughout the first half with a disciplined defensive display. Despite dominating possession, Didier Deschamps’ side failed to register a single shot on target before the break, while Julio Enciso led Paraguay’s relentless pressing and organisation.
France came out stronger after half-time and finally found the breakthrough in the 66th minute. Substitute Désiré Doué made an immediate impact, weaving into the penalty area before being brought down by Diego Gómez. Kylian Mbappé calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way to score the only goal of the match.
Paraguay searched for a late equaliser, but France managed the closing stages well, slowing the game down and defending their slender advantage. Mbappé nearly added a second in stoppage time, only for Gill to produce an excellent double save.
The victory sends France into the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco in what promises to be a fascinating last-eight clash. Paraguay exit the tournament with plenty of credit after pushing one of the favourites all the way.
