France edged past Paraguay in the last-16 of the World Cup 2026 on Saturday, after Kylian Mbappe’s penalty secured a 1-0 win.
Didier Deschamps’ men have looked like the best team left in the tournament but the South Americans left them frustrated for more than an hour in Philadelphia.
However, Desire Doue’s trickery was enough to force Diego Gomez to dangle a leg and, after a VAR intervention, Ilgiz Tantashev awarded Les Bleus a spot kick, which Mbappe converted to move back level with Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot on seven goals.
The feisty contest saw Paraguay use rough tactics on the French superstars, including Juan Caceres’s late challenge on Mbappe, and there were numerous moments when arguments between players threatened to boil over into physical altercations – even after the final whistle.
Follow all the fallout from Paraguay v France with our live blog:
Paraguay v France live
- France edge past Paraguay 1-0 in bad-tempered last-16 World Cup clash
- Kylian Mbappe penalty enough to book a quarter-final against Morocco in Boston
- REPORT: France prove they can win ugly in bad-tempered clash – and World Cup history is repeating itself
- Mbappe equals Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot
- 70' GOAL! Mbappe penalty breaks deadlock after VAR intervenes over foul on Doue [PAR 0-1 FRA]
French FA chief condemns ‘disgraceful’ ex-Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert for racist remark
01:01 , Luke Baker
Paraguay legend Jose Luis Chilavert has been labelled a “disgrace” by French Football Association (FFF) chief Philippe Diallo for “racist” comments made towards France before their World Cup 2026 last 16 clash.
The former Paraguayan goalkeeper said that his national team would face a "squad from Africa" in the World Cup tie in Philadelphia.
The 60-year-old has shared a screenshot on social media of comments he attributed to former French forward Christophe Dugarry, which stated that Paraguay would get hammered by Les Bleus.
"Christophe, you're right. In 1998 we faced the French and now PY will face a squad from Africa," Chilavert said.
France chief labels Paraguay legend a ‘disgrace’ after racist comment
France prove they can win ugly in bad-tempered clash – and World Cup history is repeating itself
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:50 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
After the ‘Star Spangled Banner’, the star-studded France team. The World Cup bade farewell to Philadelphia amid celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in this city.
For Les Bleus, the declarations of brilliance had come earlier. This, though, was an illustration they can win ugly, and that their brightest star keeps on shining.
America’s birthday had the feel of just another day for Kylian Mbappe, whose World Cup goals are so frequent, but France’s potential semi-final falls on Bastille Day. Do not bet against Mbappe scoring then, either. Now only Morocco stand in their way of another trip to the last four after Paraguay’s resistance was eventually ended.
Read Richard Jolly’s full report from Philadelphia:
France prove they can win ugly – and World Cup history is repeating itself
Paraguay 0-1 France
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:24 , Luke Baker
Celebrations from France and well-earned ones
Latest Golden Boot standings
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:17 , Luke Baker
Kylian Mbappe’s penalty today put him back level with Lionel Messi atop the Golden Boot standings on seven goals.
And the Frenchman actually holds the tiebreaker currently with two assists to Messi’s none.
Both men are still in the tournament though and likely to add to their tallies.
Latest Golden Boot tally
1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 7 goals, (2 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 7 goals
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 5 goals
= 3. Harry Kane (England), 5 goals
5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (2 assists)
= 6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)
'It's not disgraceful, it's even worse'
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:11 , Luke Baker
“If you’re a neutral you can’t have any respect for them anymore. It’s not disgraceful, it’s even worse,” says BBC pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger about Paraguay’s behaviour.
I’ll be honest, there’s a lot of hand-wringing about the amount of Paraguay niggle. It is bizarre that they didn’t get a single yellow card all match, that wasn’t great refereeing, but I’m not sure we need the over-the-top pearl clutching and moralising.
It’s just a bit of s***housery in a football match...
FULL-TIME! Paraguay 0-1 France
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:07 , Luke Baker
France have had plenty of impressive performances at this World Cup, so they won’t mind too much about this one.
“A deserved win for France but a hard-fought one,” says Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium.
“Paraguay defended very well, albeit with too much niggle and gamesmanship to root for them, but they had too little in attack. On France go, to face Morocco in Boston.”
FULL-TIME! Paraguay 0-1 France
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:05 , Luke Baker
Well, it wasn’t pretty. Paraguay made the game a slugfest, some ugly scenes but France are through to the quarter-finals!
Kylian Mbappe’s second-half penalty was enough to win this bad-tempered game! France’s least impressive display of the World Cup but they’ve won.
Morocco await in the last eight
Paraguay 0-1 France, 90+10 mins
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:04 , Luke Baker
Mbappe laughing as Galarza tries to wind him up. Good reaction, to be honest. France in the corner and will see this out.
Paraguay 0-1 France, 90+8 mins
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:03 , Luke Baker
Paraguay win a corner. They can’t, can they...?
No, they can’t. Maignan does well to claim. France not enjoying this, Paraguay getting niggly, trying to wind up Les Bleus.
Not long to hold on now.
SAVE! Paraguay 0-1 France, 90+7 mins
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:02 , Luke Baker
Oh my word! That is a remarkable double save by Orlando Gill!
Great ball in behind by Olise, Mbappe fires a shot through the legs of Velazquez and Gill somehow stops it with his right hand. Mbappe on the rebound and it’s another fantastic Gill stop as he makes himself big. INCREDIBLE!
Paraguay 0-1 France, 90+5 mins
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:00 , Luke Baker
Cherki wins a corner and this time France can waste a few seconds. Olise ambles over and eventually takes it short.
Paraguay break and Galarza tries to shrug off Kounde, who goes down clutching his face. I’d suggest it was more collarbone than face but Galaraza did throw an arm.
Then it’s nearly disaster for Maignan who fumbles the ball before falling gratefully on it with a Paraguay player lurking
Paraguay rewarded for timewasting
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:57 , Luke Baker
“Ten minutes of added time may be a reward for some of Paraguay's timewasting,” muses Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium.
“Can they take advantage?”
Paraguay 0-1 France, 90+3 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:56 , Luke Baker
Another Paraguay foul, another avoidance of a booking. Remarkable that Galarza, Cubas and Caceres haven’t been yellow carded.
Paraguay defend the free-kick well and then clear
Paraguay 0-1 France, 90 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:54 , Luke Baker
Mbappe takes a shot from the edge of the area and it’s pushed away by a plunging Gill.
France have completed 474 passes to Paraguay’s 94. Still only one goal in it though.
Paraguay come forward and Mauricio strikes from outside the box but Maignan gets down to hold it.
There’ll be 10 minutes of injury time for the South Americans to find something! Wow!
Paraguay 0-1 France, 87 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:51 , Luke Baker
Paraguay work their way into the French half with a couple of throw-ins and the ball eventually break to Alonso on the left of the box. He tries to find the target with the outside of his left boot but the ball flashes well wide.
Paraguay 0-1 France, 84 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:48 , Luke Baker
This is getting niggly. Kone and Mauricio tangle, appeals from the Paraguayan but no interest from the ref.
France happy to stroke the ball round at the back in a leisurely manner. Olise draws the foul from Caballero in midfield and Les Bleus can bring on Cherki for Demebele - good ovation as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner trots off
Paraguay 0-1 France, 81 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:46 , Luke Baker
This game feels like it’s petering out slightly? That suits France of course, although they wouldn’t say no to a second goal to really finish the job.
Kone absolutely crunches through Caceres and he does get a yellow card for the tackle. Deserved but how have Paraguay avoided any? I think Kone may have wanted some payback on persistent fouler Caceres there...
Paraguay pump the ball into the box but Maignan takes it well.
Paraguay 0-1 France, 78 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:43 , Luke Baker
Mbappe clatters into Caceres, who then kicks out slightly at the Frenchman, makes contact with his leg and Mbappe throws himself to the ground to try and make the most of it.
Nothing in it really and Mbappe trying to make the most of it but not the cleverest from Caceres. Not entirely dissimilar to David Beckham against Argentina in 1998...
Paraguay 0-1 France, 75 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:40 , Luke Baker
Bon Jovi blaring out around the stadium during that break. Paraguay are indeed Livin’ on a Prayer at this point.
We’re back underway. Do Paraguay have a goal in them?
Paraguay 0-1 France, 72 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:38 , Luke Baker
This changes the dynamic for Paraguay. They can no longer just sit in, they have to go for a goal now.
To that end, two attacking changes as Diego Gomez and Almiron go off, with attacking midfielder Mauricio and striker Gabriel Avalos comes on.
Cubas then absolutely clatters Rabiot. How is that not a yellow card? It’s remarkable that Paraguay haven’t picked up a single booking. The referee, Ilgiz Tantashev of Uzbekistan, has had a bit of a stinker
Hydration break now.
Paraguay 0-1 France
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:36 , Luke Baker
Finally the breakthrough for France!
GOAL! Paraguay 0-1 France (Kylian Mbappe pen, 69 mins)
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:33 , Luke Baker
Usual shenanigans before the spot-kick as Dembele protects the penalty spot, Paraguay players around trying to scuff it up.
Kylian Mbappe to step up and take it... Paraguay players complain the ball isn’t on the spot. Referee makes him move it.
Mbappe steps up AND SCORES! Slotted into the bottom corner, keeper goes the other way. HUGE!
PENALTY! Paraguay 0-0 France, 67 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:31 , Luke Baker
The referee runs over to the monitor to have a look... Great run by Doue, Diego Gomez has dangled a leg and it looks like contact.
YEP! Referee announces a penalty! Huge for France! What an opportunity to finally take the lead
PENALTY? Paraguay 0-0 France, 66 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:30 , Luke Baker
Brilliant feet from Doue as he skips between three defenders, jinking in and out of them. Into the box and he goes down, appeals for a penalty. Gomez sticks a leg out and does he catch him?
Oooooooh, this might be a penalty? VAR will take a look...
Enciso ran himself into the ground
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:28 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
Latest from Richard Jolly on the ground in Philly.
“Julio Enciso did well in a thankless job alone up front but he ran himself into the ground. It seemed inevitable he would have to come off.”
Paraguay 0-0 France, 61 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:26 , Luke Baker
It fells like France are slowly but surely exerting more of a grip on this game? Paraguay have seen out the first 15 minutes of this second half though.
Julio Enciso has run himself into the ground and he is subbed off to a good reaction, with Gustavo Caballero coming on. He was on loan at Portsmouth last season and will look to replicate Enciso’ excellent, determined lone striker play.
Also a sub for France as Barcola, who has been largely ineffective, trots off, with Desire Doue coming on. Not a bad man to ahve in reserve!
Paraguay 0-0 France, 58 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:23 , Luke Baker
First sub of the day. Omar Alderete takes a bit of a knock and then he comes off. He’s only just back from an injury anyway.
Jose Canale comes on for the Sunderland man.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 56 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:21 , Luke Baker
Another France corner... Number 10, I think?
Dembele to deliver and Gill comes off his line to claim well. He’s had a good start to this half, the Paraguay goalkeeper.
SAVE! Paraguay 0-0 France, 55 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:19 , Luke Baker
France’s best chance of the game! Kone cuts inside and lashes a shot at goal that Gill leaps to tip over the bar. Good save by the Paraguay stopper!
The corner is then well defended
Paraguay 0-0 France, 54 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:18 , Luke Baker
Paraguay switch off and are nearly caught out! Maignan’s long ball forward splits the defence and Mbappe races clear.
Caceres gets back and flicks it off Mbappe for a corner just as he’s about to shoot. Paraguay are appealing for a handball by Mbappe (which it was to be fair) and France take the corner quickly! Short to Dembele, he charges into the box but his shot flies into the side netting as goalkeeper Gill makes himself big and gets clattered for his troubles.
Near disaster for the South Americans. Gill receives treatment but he’s back up and ok
Paraguay's pass completion
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:16 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
“Paraguay completed 49 passes in the first 49 minutes. Which is, well, not a lot, really.”
Paraguay 0-0 France, 51 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:14 , Luke Baker
Paraguay win their first corner of the game. It’s lax from Upamecano, who is liable to lose concentration, as he chests down in his own half but straight to Almiron.
The ex-Newcastle man surges to the byline and wins the corner, which he goes to take himself.
Curled in and a slightly unconvincing punch from Maignan but France clear for a throw.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 49 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:13 , Luke Baker
Nice passage of play from France in the final third and the ball just evades Kounde in the box. Quicker movement though, which is promising.
Rabiot’s eyes light up again 25 yards out but his shot rises harmlessly over the bar, not for the first time this match.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 47 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:11 , Luke Baker
Paraguay free-kick near halfway and it enables them to thump the ball forward but Kounde deals with it comfortably.
No changes at half-time from either side, by the way
KICK-OFF! Paraguay 0-0 France
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:09 , Luke Baker
Back underway in Philly. What has Deschamps come up with at half-time?
Half-time stats
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:01 , Luke Baker
France have enjoyed 80 per cent possession to Paraguay’s 20 per cents, while Les Bleus have had five shots to their opponents’ two.
However, none have been on target from either side.
France have had seven corners (Paraguay none) and accrued 0.15 xG but frankly haven’t looked like scoring.
Job well done by Paraguay
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:56 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
“A non-event of a first half,” says Richard Jolly at the stadium in Philadelphia.
“But a job well done by Paraguay. France have cut through everyone else. Not them so far.”
HALF-TIME! Paraguay 0-0 France
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:52 , Luke Baker
A disciplined, gutsy half of football from Paraguay to deny France. Les Bleus haven’t had a single big chance so far and that’s down to the work-rate and organisation of their opponents.
Didier Deschamps’ side haven’t looked like the most impressive team at the World Cup in that first half, so work for France to do in the second half.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 45 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:49 , Luke Baker
Alonso and Galarza combine to crowd out Dembele on the left and pinch the ball back. Enciso tries a ball through but Upamecano cuts it out.
Rabiot’s shot is blocked and the ball deflects harmlessly through to Gill. Three minutes of added time at the end of the haflf.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 43 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:47 , Luke Baker
Great work-rate from Paraguay. Closing down, tracking their man. No mistakes yet in defence from the men in red and white.
Kone tries his luck from 25 yards but it’s well off target. We’re ebbing towards half-time here
Paraguay 0-0 France, 40 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:45 , Luke Baker
Upamecano needs to be careful. Dithered in defence and nearly caught out!
Up the other end, France with a regular supply of corner but so far they haven’t taken advantage. Gill gratefully claims a ball in from Digne
One or two tempers are fraying...
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:43 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
Latest from Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
“This is acquiring a bit of needle with Paraguay seeking to wind France up and one or two tempers frayed... The heat may not help.”
Paraguay 0-0 France, 37 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:40 , Luke Baker
From the free-kick, the ball is curled in, skews dangerously off a Paraguay defender and Cubas bundles it behind for a corner.
The corner comes out to Kounde, who strikes at goal, but straight at Gill.
Paraguay surviving...
Paraguay 0-0 France, 35 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:39 , Luke Baker
Ooooh, Kylian Mbappe is not happy here! He’s tactically fouled by Cubas on the edge of the box and jumps up, immediately confronting the Paraguay defender.
Players from both teams pile in, a bit of squaring up and general messiness that soon calms down. That will please Paraguay - they’re getting under the skin of France!
Paraguay 0-0 France, 33 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:37 , Luke Baker
Dembele with a shimmy and a pass inside, gorgeous feint from Olise to let it go through to Rabiot. He takes a touch and lashes a shot at goal from 30 yards. It’s rasping but rising and clears the bar. Class from Dembele and Olise though.
At the other end, the industrious Enciso uses his body brilliantly to shield the ball and win a free-kick. Maignan comes off his line to claim the ball into the box well.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 31 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:36 , Luke Baker
That’s cracking defending from Diego Gomez! A dangerous ball whipped in from the right and Mbappe looks to have a clear header six yards out but Gomez throws himself into the mix and nudges Mbappe enough that the ball just flies beyond his head. Effective desperation!
Paraguay 0-0 France, 29 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:34 , Luke Baker
Dembele with a bit of space down the left, puts the ball in, takes a slight deflection and flies across goal but no French player is there. Ultimately harmless but Les Bleus might want to get more men in the box when Dembele is on the ball like that.
Barcola then accidentally fouls Almiron. He’s already on a yellow card, remember.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 27 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:33 , Luke Baker
Almiron drives Paraguay forward. The ball then loops up and Diego Gomez sees his name in lights and goes for a spectacular 30-yard volley!
Erm... Unsurprisingly, it’s completely scuffed miles wide.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 23 mins - HYDRATION BREAK
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:27 , Luke Baker
Another France corner. Can they capitalise on one of these?
Long from Dembele, aiming for Mbappe, running in at the back post but a shade too long for him and out for a goal-kick.
And that’s the first hydration/advertising break.
“A rare hydration break that isn't booed, presumably due to the temperature,” says Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly on the ground in Philadelphia. It’s definitely needed today
Paraguay 0-0 France, 22 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:26 , Luke Baker
Good defending from a corner at the near post by Diego Gomez. Still no major opportunities for France to speak of
France will hope to up it after the hydration break
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:24 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
“France have not started particularly quickly but then they did not against Sweden,” says Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly.
“They really upped the pace then after the first hydration break. They may hope for a repeat”
Paraguay 0-0 France, 18 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:22 , Luke Baker
Olise wins a corner that France take quickly but it’s wasted. That was a decent opportunity thrown away.
Barcola then receives the first yellow card as he swipes for the ball and Caceres throws himself to the floor. I’m not even sure there was contact there? And if there was, it was minimal. Certainly not a booking. Barcola can consider himself unlucky
Paraguay 0-0 France, 16 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:19 , Luke Baker
Barcola probes inside and then reverses the ball out to Digne on the left. The Aston Villa defender whips a cross in but Gill, in the Paraguay goal, claims it well.
No major scares yet for the South Americans. So far, so good
Paraguay 0-0 France, 13 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:17 , Luke Baker
Kone lunges in on Galarza on halfway and Paraguay have a free-kick. This will waste some time for the underdogs, and gives them a chance to pump a ball into the box, should they desire.
They do desire but it’s a good defensive header clear. Olise counters at speed but Paraguay get back and turn him backwards just after halfway
Paraguay 0-0 France, 11 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:15 , Luke Baker
Dembele’s floated ball into the box just a fraction too far for Barcola. Still finding his radar but that wasn’t far away
Paraguay 0-0 France, 10 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:14 , Luke Baker
Paraguay yet to enter the French half, with Les Blues patiently playing in the final third, probing for a way through the solid Paraguayan wall.
Dembele gets to the byline and Velazquez can only head up in the air but the South Americans clear at the second attempt.
Rabiot tries to claim a penalty for a push by Gustavo Gomez but there’s nothing doing
Paraguay 0-0 France, 7 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:11 , Luke Baker
NUTS! Lovely nutmeg on Diego Gomez by Mbappe and France then win a corner as honorary Geordie, Miguel Almiron, clears behind.
Olise crosses but the ball goes through and Paraguay hack clear.
Paraguay 0-0 France, 5 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:10 , Luke Baker
Enciso may be a very lonely figure as Paraguay’s nominal striker today - the one man up the field a little bit.
He does well to pressure Olise and win a throw-in near halfway for the South American side though. So reward for what will inevitably be a lot of thankless running
Barcola the cleverest player on the pitch...
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:08 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
“The cleverest player on the pitch is Bradley Barcola,” says Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium.
“Barcola is the only one always standing in the shade.”
On a day like this, you’re not wrong, Rich
Paraguay 0-0 France, 2 mins
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:06 , Luke Baker
France do the very in vogue kick-off of kicking to touch deep in Paraguay territory to try and press the throw. It’s very-rugby-coded, kicking to the corner. Pressure that defensive lineout!
Les Bleus settle into possession early on, while Paraguay build a red and white wall at the edge of the box. Everyone behind the ball.
There may be a lot of this today - how patient will France need to be?
KICK-OFF! Paraguay 0-0 France
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:03 , Luke Baker
And we’re underway in brutally hot conditions in Philadelphia.
Is there any way Paraguay can spring a great upset? Surely not. Surely...
A strong anthem battle
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:59 , Luke Baker
Two very jaunty, lively national anthems. I must admit I’m very partial to ‘La Marseillaise’ in particular. A true top-tier anthem
Kick-off imminent in Philadelphia
France v Paraguay team news
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:58 , Luke Baker
The teams are out and we’re only a few minutes from kick-off. Here’s a reminder of the team news.
Aurelien Tchouameni is out injured for France, so Manu Knoe comes into the midfield. The fearsome front four of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Kylian Mbappe remain.
For Paraguay, Omar Alderete is back from injury quicker than expected to bolster the defence. And Diego Gomez returns from suspension.
France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Barcola, Mbappe
Paraguay XI: Gill; Caceres, Velazquez, G Gomez, Alderete; Alonso, Cubas, D Gomez, Galarza, Almiron; Enciso
Patriotic show in Philly...
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:55 , Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium
“We have just had a rendition of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’. Now there is a ceremony marking 250 years of the USA,” says Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium.
“Now they are playing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Freebird’. This gets weirder...”
Commander Mbappe ready to go
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:49 , Luke Baker
If you’ve not seen the social media meme, Kylian Mbappe has become Commander Mbappe, with his head replacing various military figures to signify that he is the one who makes the calls for France.
Mbappe himself appears to be aware of this and has been nodding towards it
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham: How Fifa’s bewildering World Cup award has distorted reality
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:44 , Luke Baker
It was a picture that left a thousand words unsaid. Had Casemiro, smiling widely with both hands on the trophy, been covered in Jude Bellingham’s honesty cloak, the post-match interview may have seen the Brazil midfielder explain why he did not deserve the gong.
He was neither the first nor last peculiar selection for the ‘Superior Player of the Match’ at this World Cup but the decision to place him on a pedestal after Monday’s anxious, unconvincing win against Japan was certainly the oddest.
Only Lucas Paqueta’s hamstring twinge may have saved Casemiro from being hooked at the interval for the second time in this tournament following a 45-minute spell in which he allowed Kaishu Sano to put Japan in front, collided with Paqueta and Matheus Cunha – yes, his teammates – in farcical fashion, and puffed around uncomfortably as a sad caricature of his former self.
So, what is going on with the bizarre player of the match choices at this World Cup?
How Fifa’s bewildering World Cup award has distorted football reality
France all warmed up
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:38 , Luke Baker
It doesn’t take much to get warm in this heat but the French team are all stretched out in Philly
The warm-up 🇫🇷👊#PARFRA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/SSDYOHRYca
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) July 4, 2026
WATCH: How France became the World Cup's greatest entertainers
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:32 , Luke Baker
France have lit up this World Cup with their play and Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney has broken down how they’ve become the great entertainers
How Michael Olise’s rise is rewriting football’s tactical rulebookI
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:22 , Luke Baker
In the same way that Michael Olise suddenly plays a pass that no one else had even imagined, he has quickly gone from an exciting talent to one of the best in the world — genuine top five — and especially from the relatively late age of 23 on.
One question being asked in coaching circles is whether there has ever been a player who has made that leap so fast?
Maybe Mohamed Salah, but this still feels so much more extreme.
Some in the game would of course immediately point to what Olise himself said in an Instagram message as a young Reading player, about how he wouldn’t be at the club “for long,” and argue that he – and many football insiders – knew he was always destined for the top.
Miguel Delaney dives into Michael Olise’s astounding rise:
How Michael Olise’s rise is rewriting football’s tactical rulebook
Sweltering in Philly
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:16 , Luke Baker
It is not cold in Philadelphia today... How much of a factor will the conditions play?
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:10 , Richard Jolly, in the US
Here’s what our Senior Football Correspondent, Richard Jolly, out in the US has to say ahead of this evening’s clash.
“America celebrates its 250th birthday in the city of the Declaration of Independence. It means there is plenty going on in Philadelphia today, but an essential problem for everyone here: 100-degree heat.
“It remains to be seen who copes best with it. This had shaped up as France v Germany on July 4 until Paraguay intervened. They will be looking for a second major scalp, France, to book a quarter-final with Morocco in Boston.”
World Cup 2026 power rankings: France the team to beat while England falter heading into last 16
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:02 , Luke Baker
What have you made of all the teams in the last 16 of this World Cup?
We’ve ranked every one of them and, unsurprisingly, France are top of the pile. But how does everyone stack up behind Les Bleus?
World Cup 2026 power rankings: France the team to beat heading into last 16
Paraguay team news
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:57 , Luke Baker
And here’s how Paraguay will line up this evening - Diego Gomez is back from suspension and Omar Alderete has recovered from his knee injury to feature as well.
Having the Sunderland man in defence is a huge boost.
It will likely be a 5-4-1 for Paraguay as they try to stop the French onslaught
Paraguay XI v France: Gill; Caceres, Velazquez, G Gomez, Alderete; Alonso, Cubas, D Gomez, Galarza, Almiron; Enciso
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐨 ✅1️⃣1️⃣
— Selección Paraguaya (@Albirroja) July 4, 2026
¡Ellos saldrán a defender estos colores desde el arranque!
🆚 🇫🇷
🏆 #FIFAWorldCup - Octavos de Final
🕕 18:00 h
🏟️ Philadelphia Stadium
📺 @SomosGEN | @trecepy | @Unicanal | @somospopupy#VamosParaguay pic.twitter.com/xXhc83xgIZ
France team news
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:52 , Luke Baker
Here’s the French team for this evening. No real surprises in there - Mbappe, Olise, Barcola and Dembele all start in that ferocious forward line.
However, Aurelien Tchouameni is ruled out with a thigh injury, so Manu Kone comes into the midfield
France XI v Paraguay: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Barcola, Mbappe
We’re all behind you, guys 🇫🇷👊#PARFRA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/44w4sRh7Q3
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) July 4, 2026
Team news imminent
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:44 , Luke Baker
Right, we’re only a couple of minutes away from finding out the team news for this one.
Will either side have any surprises in store?
Inside the French revolution that forged a generational World Cup team
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:36 , Luke Baker
On the Boston training ground that has formed the studio for France’s “art”, to quote one insider, Kylian Mbappe and his orchestra have only really had one instruction. That is to “express themselves”, to do what “comes with instinct”.
If this sounds unusually romantic for a coach as pragmatic as Didier Deschamps, he offered up even more evocative words for the media, in speaking about that illustrious trio of Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele.
“They speak the same football.”
Typically with Deschamps, there is more edge to that than just nice phrasing.
And it’s partly why France have already had more to them than almost any other team at this World Cup, as well as most in modern history.
Read Miguel Delaney’s full analysis of France’s brilliance so far:
Inside the French revolution that forged a generational World Cup team
Paraguay president declares national holiday after World Cup triumph over Germany
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:26 , Luke Baker
There was even more reason for Paraguay fans to celebrate the victory over Germany earlier this week after the country’s president Santiago Pena declared a national holiday following the triumph.
The South Americans confined the Germans to their first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout and Pena seized the moment.
The president also declared a public holiday last September after Paraguay returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and he announced another one, for Tuesday, 30 June, after his country’s historic moment.
Posting on X, Pena said: “Paraguay never gives up! Public holiday, damn it!”
According to Paraguayan law, the executive branch can declare up to three additional public holidays per year.
Important to hydrate
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:18 , Luke Baker
We’ve mentioned the heat in Philly today, so Paraguay star Gustavo Caballero was doing the right thing by drinking plenty during the pitch walkaround a little earlier!
Heatwave sparks safety fears ahead of France v Paraguay clash
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:10 , Luke Baker
This evening’s clash looks set to become one of the tournament's hottest, raising serious health concerns for players, tens of thousands of fans, and the wider region.
The fixture coincides with a severe heatwave gripping the eastern and central United States, where peak heat indexes are forecast to reach a dangerous 100 F to 115 F (37.78 C to 46.11 C), according to the National Weather Service. High overnight temperatures are expected to offer little respite, with records potentially being broken.
Concerns over extreme heat have intensified throughout the tournament, particularly after French players resorted to on-pitch sprinklers to cool down during their last-32 clash with Sweden in New Jersey, where temperatures hit 90 F (32.22 C).
Scientists have increasingly labelled Fifa's heat safety guidelines as "inadequate" and "impossible to justify”, even for heat-acclimatised athletes, warning that spectators could face slower, less intense games.
Mbappe chasing Messi in Golden Boot standings
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:04 , Luke Baker
The race for the golden boot at the World Cup is hurtling towards an epic contest during the knockout stage as Lionel Messi went back ahead of Kylian Mbappe at the top of the standings with Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland also very much in the race.
The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Messi after backing up a hat-trick against Algeria with a double against Austria ,before another arrived off the bench against Jordan and he inevitably scored again in their slender last-32 win over Cape Verde last night.
Not to be outdone, Mbappe has been in excellent scoring touch and a brace against Sweden took him to six goals, which is now one behind the Argentine icon.
Current Golden Boot standings:
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 7 goals
2. Kylian Mbappe (France), 6 goals (2 assists)
= 3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 5 goals
= 3. Harry Kane (England), 5 goals
5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (2 assists)
= 6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)
LAST TIME OUT: Germany face crisis after shock World Cup exit to Paraguay on penalties
Saturday 4 July 2026 19:57 , Luke Baker
Germany suffered a brutal World Cup penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay to end the four-time world champions’ tournament in Boston.
After suffering from a controversial VAR call in extra time, to chalk off Jonathan Tah’s goal, which would have seen Julian Nagelsmann’s side go 2-1 in front, the last 32 tie went to penalties, with misses from Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah enough to succumb to a 4-3 shoot-out loss.
German football entered a stage of crisis thanks to Jose Canale’s decisive penalty, which secured underdogs Paraguay a memorable victory and sparked wild celebrations, as well as booking tonight’s last-16 tie with France.
Germany face crisis after shock World Cup exit to Paraguay on penalties
LAST TIME OUT: Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise’s devastating double act is driving France to another World Cup final
Saturday 4 July 2026 19:50 , Luke Baker
Liberte, Egalite, Mbappe. Or maybe it was Liberte, Egalite, Olise.
In brushing aside Sweden 3-0, France delivered another mission statement of a performance, another wonderful endorsement of their footballing philosophy taking them closer to a return to New York for a third consecutive World Cup final.
They are making history and making memories. The scorer par excellence and the creator nonpareil brought their artistry to the evisceration of Sweden.
One day, perhaps, Graham Potter and his team may be able to cushion their disappointment with the knowledge they witnessed something special from the same pitch.
Read Richard Jolly’s full report on the glorious last-32 display here:
Mbappe and Olise’s double act is driving France to another World Cup final
Early France team news
Saturday 4 July 2026 19:43 , Luke Baker
France’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
Early Paraguay team news
Saturday 4 July 2026 19:38 , Luke Baker
Paraguay 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; Avalos
Who will the winner face?
Saturday 4 July 2026 19:35 , Luke Baker
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-finals
How to watch Paraguay v France
Saturday 4 July 2026 19:32 , Luke Baker
This 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.
France v Paraguay
Saturday 4 July 2026 19:28 , Luke Baker
Good 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.
