Paraguay v France LIVE: Kylian Mbappe leads French charge in World Cup last 16

How France became the World Cup's greatest entertainersFrance return to the world stage tonight as they face Paraguay in the last-16 of the World Cup 2026. Didier Deschamps’ men look like the best team left in the tournament and world champions-in-waiting following their demolition of Sweden in the round of 32. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in that knockout tie and, alongside Michael Olise, continues to lead the charge towards the final.

But, the 2022 runners-up will need to be wary of a stubborn Paraguayan side who managed to dump Germany out of the competition in the last round. Julio Enciso sent the South American’s ahead before Kai Havertz equalised and forced the game to penalties. And it was Paraguay who held their nerve to advance from the shootout and should the manage to hold France at bay tonight they will have the confidence to execute another nail-biting result.

Follow all the updates from Paraguay v France with our live blog:RecommendedWorld Cup 2026 power rankings: France the team to beat while England falter heading into last 16World Cup heatwave sparks safety fears ahead of France v Paraguay clash in PhiladelphiaKylian Mbappe and Michael Olise’s devastating double act is driving France to another World Cup finalEarly France team newsFrance’s only injury concern is to back-up striker Marcus Thuram, and while Didier Deschamps might be tempted to rest some key men, Paraguay’s win over Germany might mean that he opts for a strong starting line-up similar to that used against Sweden. Possible France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe(Reuters)Luke Baker4 July 2026 19:43Early Paraguay team newsParaguay will welcome back Diego Gomez from suspension, though Omar Alderete is yet to recover from a knee injury sustained in the final group game. Possible Paraguay XI: Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Almiron, Cubas, Gomez, Galarza, Enciso; AvalosLuke Baker4 July 2026 19:38Who will the winner face?

Not to look too far ahead, given we haven’t even played this match yet but who will this evening’s winners face in the quarter-finals?The answer to that is Canada or Morocco, who are playing currently, with that last-eight clash taking place at 9pm BST in Boston on Thursday, 9 July. Morocco currently lead Canada 1-0 with about 20 minutes left and you can follow along with that match here:Canada v Morocco LIVE: Latest score as World Cup co-hosts eye quarter-finalsJesse Marsch’s men can become the first team into the last eight but face a daunting task against MoroccoLuke Baker4 July 2026 19:35How to watch Paraguay v FranceThis evening’s clash is due to kick off at 10pm BST at the Philadelphia Stadium.

A treat, on Independence Day, for the city where the American Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago.The French were big allies of the American rebels in the War of Independence of course, so can they deliver another victory a quarter of a millennium on?Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage from 9.

30pm BST on the channel. A live stream will be available via BBC iPlayer.(AP)Luke Baker4 July 2026 19:32France v ParaguayGood evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the the World Cup last-16 clash between Paraguay and France.

We expected this to be France v Germany in a clash of old European rivals but Paraguay have earned their place at this stage instead by stunning Julian Nagelsmann’s (soon to be Jurgen Klopp’s...) side on penalties.The South American outfit face a huge task against the most impressive side in the tournament so far.

Luke Baker4 July 2026 19:28Join our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments