By Francis Onyach - Reporter
USA July 5, 2026 - France are through to yet another FIFA World Cup quarter-final after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay, with captain Kylian Mbappé once again proving the difference in a tense Round of 16 encounter at Philadelphia Stadium.
In scorching conditions, Didier Deschamps' side were made to work for every opportunity by a disciplined Paraguayan team, but Mbappé's second-half penalty was enough to secure France's place in the last eight, where they will face Morocco in a rematch of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final.
France entered the match as overwhelming favourites after an impressive group stage and Round of 32 campaign, but Paraguay had already shown their ability to upset the odds by eliminating Germany earlier in the tournament.
The South Americans adopted a compact 5-4-1 formation and frustrated Les Bleus throughout the opening half. France dominated possession but struggled to find space against Paraguay's disciplined defensive block.
Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise all searched for openings, while Paraguay relied on quick counterattacks and physical defending to disrupt France's rhythm. The first half also saw several heated confrontations, particularly involving Mbappé, as tensions began to rise on the pitch.
France continued to control possession after the break but still found it difficult to create clear-cut chances.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute.
Substitute Désiré Doué drove into the penalty area before being brought down by Diego Gómez. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev initially allowed play to continue but was called to review the incident by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
After consulting the pitchside monitor, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
With the pressure mounting, Mbappé stepped forward and calmly sent goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way to give France a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal was significant for several reasons.
It was Mbappé's seventh goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing him level with Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament's Golden Boot standings. It also marked his 19th career World Cup goal, moving him to within one of Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record.
Paraguay refused to give up and pushed forward during the closing stages in search of an equaliser.
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France, however, defended resolutely. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced a crucial late save to deny Paraguay, while William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano stood firm as Les Bleus protected their narrow advantage through a tense period of stoppage time.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the French players after one of their toughest tests of the tournament.
The match ended on a sour note as emotions boiled over after the final whistle.
Players from both teams became involved in heated exchanges, while Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill threw the ball towards Mbappé following the conclusion of the match. The incident reflected the frustration of the Paraguayan players after pushing France so close to the brink of extra time.
Although their World Cup journey has come to an end, Paraguay earned widespread praise for another courageous performance.
Having already stunned Germany in the previous round, Gustavo Alfaro's side made life extremely difficult for one of the tournament favourites. Their disciplined defending and tireless work rate ensured France were unable to play their usual free-flowing attacking football.
France will now meet Morocco in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final ties of the tournament.
The Atlas Lions booked their place in the last eight with an impressive 3-0 victory over Canada, becoming the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals. France, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of another world title, with Mbappé once again leading the charge.
It was not France's most fluent performance, but championship-winning teams often find ways to win when they are below their best.
Against a determined and well-organised Paraguay side, Les Bleus showed patience, discipline and resilience before Mbappé delivered the decisive moment.
As the knockout stages continue, France remain firmly among the favourites to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and with Mbappé in this kind of form, few teams will relish facing them.