Paraguay vs France
Match Preview
Paraguay and France meet in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a single-elimination knockout where the loser goes home. France arrive as heavy favourites, reaching the last 16 with a commanding 3-0 win over Sweden and carrying the star power of Kylian Mbappe and one of the deepest squads in the tournament. Paraguay, though, have already written the story of the round, knocking out Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw over extra time to reach this stage on nerve and organisation. History sits firmly with Les Bleus, who have never lost to Paraguay in five meetings, winning three and drawing two, including Laurent Blanc's famous golden goal at the 1998 World Cup. Yet knockout football offers no guarantees: a disciplined, hard-working Paraguay side that has just eliminated a European giant will believe it can frustrate the favourites and take the tie deep. Expect France to dominate possession and probe for openings, while Paraguay stay compact, defend in numbers and look to punish on the counter or from set pieces. If ninety minutes cannot separate them, extra time and potentially another penalty shootout - Paraguay's proven weapon - await, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
Head-to-Head
France have never lost to Paraguay in five meetings, winning three and drawing two. The most famous came at the 1998 World Cup Round of 16, when Laurent Blanc's 114th-minute strike - the first golden goal in World Cup history - settled a tense 1-0 for the eventual champions. France also thrashed Paraguay 7-3 in the 1958 World Cup group stage. Their most recent encounter was a friendly at Roazhon Park in Rennes on 2 June 2017, a 5-0 France win featuring an Olivier Giroud hat-trick. Paraguay are still chasing a first-ever victory against Les Bleus.
Key Facts
- ●FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 single-elimination knockout tie
- ●France reached this stage by beating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32
- ●Paraguay advanced by knocking out Germany on penalties (1-1 after extra time, 4-3 on spot kicks)
- ●France have never lost to Paraguay: three wins and two draws in five meetings
- ●If level after 90 minutes, extra time and then a penalty shootout decide it
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Paraguay vs France at the World Cup 2026?
Paraguay vs France is a Round of 16 knockout match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled for 4 July 2026 with kickoff at 21:00 UTC. The host venue is still to be confirmed.
What is the head-to-head record between Paraguay and France?
They have met five times and France have never lost: three France wins and two draws. France won 7-3 at the 1958 World Cup and 1-0 in the 1998 Round of 16 on Laurent Blanc's golden goal, and their most recent meeting was a 5-0 France friendly win in Rennes in June 2017.
How did Paraguay and France reach the Round of 16?
France beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. Paraguay caused a major upset, eliminating Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time to reach the last 16.
Who is the favourite in Paraguay vs France?
France are the strong favourites with greater squad depth and star quality including Kylian Mbappe. Paraguay are clear underdogs, but their organisation and the momentum of knocking out Germany make them dangerous in a single knockout match.