France will take on Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe’s side aiming to continue their impressive run and secure a place in the quarterfinals.
The 2018 world champions have emerged as one of the tournament’s strongest teams, winning all four of their matches and scoring 13 goals. France advanced to the last 16 after a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden, with Mbappe netting twice and Bradley Barcola adding another goal.
France are also chasing a place in a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat previously achieved only by West Germany and Brazil.
Paraguay, ranked 41st in the world, head into the match full of confidence after eliminating Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout in the previous round. The historic victory sparked celebrations in Paraguay, where the government declared a national holiday.
Despite Paraguay’s momentum, France enter the contest as favourites to progress to the quarterfinals.
