France remain one of the favourites in the 2026 Mundial and have proven same after every game they have played so far leading to their round of 16 tie against Paraguay. One of the tactically disciplined teams that can frustrate a team remain Paraguay.

Paraguay booked their round of 16 tie against France after beating Germany on penalties which led to many coloured players in the German national team being subjected to racial abuse online. Tah who missed the penalty to see Germany’s elimation was the first.

France started their journey against Senegal, Iraq and Norway scoring ten (10) goals in the three games. France won by 3-1 against Senegal, 3-0 against Iraq and 4-1 against Norway.

The two time champions went on to beat Sweden in another three goals thriller before booking their place in the round of 16 against Paraguay.

It was a stiff test for France against Paraguay as the South American side came out to frustrate the French national team in all aspects. Their defensive line made sure to close out the likes of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and the main man Kylian Mbappe.

Fouls were flying in from all angles to a point where the entire teams got involved in a confrontation following a foul on Mbappe. Chances were defended like it was the end of earth ending the first half in a stalemate.

The second half carried more promise as Didier Deschamps threw in more options in attack. Désiré Doué replaced Bradley Barcola in the 61′ and become the decisive change for France.

The sub, Doué in the 65′ got clipped by Diego Gómez in the penalty area which saw VAR intervene. After the long wait, VAR made a decision and it was centre referee Ilgiz Tantashev pointing to the spot for a France penalty.

Kylian Mbappe who was a goal behind Lionel Messi converted the penalty with a right footed shot tot he bottom right corner to give France the lead.

Paraguay tried to stage a comeback but France were in a better position of defence while throwing their own share of attack before the match ended.