Paraguay vs France Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 04.07.2026

Event Details

• Date and Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
• Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USA
• Competition: FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Paraguay vs France Preview and Team News

Paraguay Team News

For the fourth time in five appearances, Paraguay have reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup. Gustavo Alfaro’s team have played their way into the tournament, showing excellent progression in their last three matches since losing heavily to the United States in their Group D opener.

Defensive improvement has been at the heart of their success. They’ve kept clean sheets in two of their last three games and showed resilience to hold out Germany in their Round of 32 tie to advance on penalties.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was instrumental in that win, making five saves over 120 minutes before producing a crucial intervention in the shootout. He will likely need to be at the same level against one of the most potent attacking teams at this World Cup on Saturday.

Paraguay predicted lineup vs France (4-5-1): Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Almiron, Bobadilla, Cubas, Galarza, Enciso; Avalos.

France Team News

Didier Deschamps will have his sights set on making history this summer, as the Frenchman could become the second manager to win the World Cup on multiple occasions.

Les Bleus have been the eye-catching team throughout the competition, scoring a staggering 13 goals in their four fixtures. They have found the net at least three times in every game, including a dominant 3-0 win over Sweden in the Round of 32 where France racked up 25 shots in 90 minutes.

Their attack has been firing on all cylinders. Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele registered assists against Sweden on Tuesday, and Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola both scored. The latter is going slightly under the radar, having registered three goal contributions at the World Cup.

France predicted lineup vs Paraguay (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe.

Paraguay vs France Prediction 

• Pick: France (-1.5)
• Odds: -164 (20Bet)
• Correct score prediction: Paraguay 0-3 France

Paraguay’s defensive record has improved as the tournament has progressed, but they will likely come up short against the World Cup favorites. France’s dominant attacking force is hard to ignore, with at least three goals being scored in all four of their fixtures this summer.

Not only that, but Les Bleus constantly create openings, as evidenced by a staggering 44 shots recorded in their last two outings alone.

France also boast an unbeaten record in five previous head-to-heads with Paraguay, having won the two World Cup encounters by an aggregate scoreline of 8-4. Another convincing French victory is expected this Saturday.

Paraguay vs France Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Kylian Mbappe to Score First
• Odds: +210 (20Bet)

With so much attacking quality, France have no shortage of scoring angles. However, Mbappe looks most likely to find the back of the net first on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has scored six goals in four games this summer and sits just one behind Lionel Messi for the all-time scoring record at the World Cup.

Most impressive has been Mbappe’s efficiency in front of goal, with 54 goals in 56 appearances for club and country in 2025-26, and a shot accuracy of 62% at this World Cup.

Paraguay vs France Where to Watch (USA, Canada)

• FOX (USA)
• TSN (Canada)

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By Alex Duddley

Updated: 02 Jul 2026, 13:13