Can Paraguay Cause Another World Cup Upset?
Philadelphia Stadium, USA | 2026 World Cup Round of 16 | Saturday, July 4 | 10pm BST
Will the Paraguayans shock Les Bleus in Philadelphia? BetVictor News delivers the in-depth Paraguay vs France preview – including the score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- Paraguay vs France prediction: Ruthless Mbappe ends La Albirroja’s dream
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Paraguay Vs France Preview
Still buzzing after their astonishing 4-3 penalty shootout win against four-time winners Germany on Monday night, Paraguay face the unenviable task of trying to derail World Cup betting favourites France in the Round of 16.
The South American outfit provided the tournament’s biggest shock to date but know they face a formidable force in the shape of Les Bleus. And with head coach Didier Deschamps able to call upon the likes of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and superstar forward Kylian Mbappe, La Albirroja know they will be very much up against it.
Naturally, the Paraguay vs France odds strongly favour the 2018 champions. Deschamps side made extremely lightwork of Sweden last time out as Mbappe helped himself to a brace which means he has now netted an astonishing 18 goals in 18 World Cup appearances across three tournaments.
Paraguay Vs France H2H Record
Paraguay and France have played each other five times in international football with Les Bleus yet to taste defeat. The most famous H2H clash occurred in the 1998 World Cup whereby Laurent Blanc scored an extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 Round of 16 victory. Legendary yet controversial goalkeeper José Chilavert was dismissed after 20 minutes for the South American’s.
The only other World Cup clash came back in the 1958 tournament. The French came out on top in an astonishing 7-3 win with Just Fontaine helping himself to a treble. You have to go back to 2017 for the last match, former Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud also netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 friendly win.
Paraguay vs France H2H record
- 02/06/2017: France 5-0 Paraguay (Friendly)
- 01/06/2014: France 1-1 Paraguay (Friendly)
- 31/05/2008: France 0-0 Paraguay (Friendly)
- 28/06/1998: France 1-0 Paraguay (World Cup Round of 16)
- 08/06/1958: France 7-3 Paraguay (World Cup Group Stage)
Paraguay Vs France Team News
Jose Canale is likely to retain his place in Paraguay’s starting XI at the expense of Omar Alderete. The Sunderland defender sustained a knee injury against Australia in the group stages and is still not fully recovered. Former Premier League stars Miguel Almiron and Julio Encisco are expected to start from the off.
Meanwhile, France have no fresh injury concerns to navigate. Marcus Thuram is still a doubt but the formidable foursome of Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise were always going to get the nod ahead of the Inter star. Interestingly, Olise needs just one more assist to equal Pele’s tournament record of six having set up five strikes so far.
Paraguay’s last six in all comps:
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France’s last six in all comps:
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Paraguay Vs France Predicted Lineups
Paraguay predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Gill; Caceres, G. Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, D. Gomez; Almiron, Avalos, Enciso
France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Paraguay Vs France TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
Paraguay vs France is available to watch live in the UK on BBC One (kick-off 10pm). Streaming is also available on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website. Followers can also tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license is required to watch live in the UK
Paraguay Vs France Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- Les Blues have won both previous World Cup meetings by an aggregate score of 8-3
- Paraguay World Cup stats – Paraguay have kept a clean sheet in the first-half in seven of their last eight internationals
- France World Cup stats – France have picked up just two yellow cards so far
Top Betting Angles for Paraguay vs France
Over 2.5 goals: Has come in across all of France’s 2026 World Cup fixtures so far. Online at 13/20.
BTTS (No): Paraguay have blanked in two of their four fixtures whereas France have two shut-outs to their name. Available at 9/20.
Anytime goalscorers: Kylian Mbappe (3/5), Ousmane Dembele (5/4) and Michael Olise (9/5) are worth considering.
Paraguay Vs France Prediction
After their Germany heroics, it would be naive to completely write-off Paraguay who will undoubtedly try to frustrate their more esteemed opponents. However, but it’s highly unlikely France will entertain the same fate as their European rivals and with Kylian Mbappe absolutely purring at the moment, we are going to back a comfortable win for the electric Bleus side in Philadelphia.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-3 France
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Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 11am on July 3, 2026 and are subject to change.
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