France vs. Paraguay: Everything you need to know ahead of FIFA World Cup Round of 16 showdown
France looks to continue its march toward another FIFA World Cup title Saturday when it meets Paraguay in a Round of 16 matchup at Philadelphia Stadium.
Les Bleus enter the knockout contest in impressive form after winning all three group-stage matches before cruising past Sweden in the Round of 32. Paraguay, meanwhile, has embraced the underdog role after stunning four-time champion Germany in a penalty shootout to reach the Round of 16.
Match information
Match: France vs. Paraguay
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Date: Saturday, July 4
Kickoff: 5 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. PDT)
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field), Philadelphia.
TV, streaming and radio
TV (United States): FOX
Streaming: FOX One, FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com. The match will also be available in 4K through FOX’s World Cup coverage.
Radio: SiriusXM FC and Fútbol de Primera Radio are expected to carry the match in the United States.
Stadium information
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
Location: Philadelphia
Capacity: Approximately 69,000 for FIFA World Cup matches.
The home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles is hosting five World Cup matches, including this Round of 16 showdown.
Weather
Outside: It is expected to be one of the hottest matches of the tournament, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) and oppressive humidity. The heat index could climb well above 100 degrees.
Inside the stadium: Philadelphia Stadium is an open-air venue, meaning both teams will play in the summer heat with no retractable roof or climate control.
Official FIFA World Rankings
- France: No. 3
- Paraguay: No. 43
Group stage recap
France: 9 points, finishing first in Group I after victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway. France then defeated Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Paraguay: 4 points, finishing second in its group before upsetting Germany in the Round of 32. Paraguay eliminated the four-time world champions 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Players to watch
France
- Kylian Mbappé
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Désiré Doué
- William Saliba
- Manu Koné
France will reportedly be without midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is expected to miss the match because of a thigh injury.
Paraguay
- Julio Enciso
- Miguel Almirón
- Gustavo Gómez
- Junior Alonso
- Ramón Sosa
Storylines
France has looked every bit like a title contender, averaging more than three goals per match while allowing just one goal through four games. Paraguay, meanwhile, authored one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by eliminating Germany and now hopes lightning can strike twice.
Another storyline may be the weather. France manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged the extreme heat could become a major factor, while Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro believes the conditions could favor his side, which is accustomed to training in high temperatures.
Fun facts
- France is chasing its third FIFA World Cup title after lifting the trophy in 1998 and 2018.
- Paraguay has reached the Round of 16 by eliminating Germany in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
- The winner advances to face the winner of Morocco vs. Canada in the quarterfinals.
What’s at stake?
The winner advances to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
The loser heads home.
Prediction
Paraguay deserves plenty of respect after eliminating Germany, and Julio Enciso has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. But France has been relentless, balanced and clinical from the opening whistle of the World Cup.
Even without Aurélien Tchouaméni, Les Bleus possess too much pace, creativity and attacking depth for Paraguay to contain over 90 minutes. Paraguay may find a goal—much to the likely disappointment of commentator Warren Barton, who has never met a conceded goal he truly appreciated—but France should control the match from start to finish.
Prediction: France 4, Paraguay 1.
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