Paraguay vs France Prediction: Best Bets, Odds & Predicted Lineups
Paraguay Already Shocked Germany. Now the Biggest Test Awaits.
Nobody expected Paraguay to be here.
After surviving a difficult group, Gustavo Alfaro's side stunned Germany in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, winning on penalties after an outstanding defensive performance. Confidence has never been higher.
Unfortunately for Paraguay, the reward is arguably the strongest team left in the competition.
France has looked every bit like a World Cup favourite. Didier Deschamps' side has won all four matches, scored 13 goals and barely looked troubled. With Kylian Mbappé leading one of the most dangerous attacks in world football, Les Bleus arrive in Philadelphia full of confidence.
History also adds another layer.
The last time these nations met in a World Cup knockout match was in 1998, when Laurent Blanc's famous golden goal sent France through. Paraguay hasn't forgotten.
Paraguay vs France Quick Facts
Competition
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Date
July 4, 2026
Kick-off
21:00 UTC
Venue
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
Winner Plays
Canada or Morocco in the Quarter-finals
Road to the Round of 16
Paraguay's Road to the Round of 16
USA 4-1 Paraguay
Türkiye 0-1 Paraguay
Paraguay 0-0 Australia
Paraguay 1-1 Germany (Won 4-3 on penalties)
France's Road to the Round of 16
France 3-1 Senegal
France 4-0 Iraq
France 3-0 Norway
France 3-0 Sweden
Key Team News
Paraguay welcomes Diego Gómez back from suspension, while Julio Enciso is expected to be fit despite being substituted against Germany.
France has no major injury concerns. William Saliba is managing a minor back issue but is expected to start, while Didier Deschamps has a fully fit attacking squad to choose from.
Best Bet
France to Win & Under 3.5 Goals
Predicted Score
Paraguay 0-2 France
Why This Match Is More Difficult Than It Looks
France is the better team.
Nobody questions that.
The challenge is breaking down Paraguay.
Germany dominated possession, created chances and still couldn't eliminate Gustavo Alfaro's disciplined side.
Paraguay defends with patience.
France attacks with pace.
It's a classic clash of styles.
If France scores early, the game could become comfortable.
If Paraguay survives the opening hour, frustration may start creeping into the French attack.
Team Form Analysis
Paraguay
Paraguay has become one of the stories of the tournament.
Their organisation, discipline and belief have carried them into the Round of 16.
Strengths
Excellent defensive shape.
Outstanding goalkeeper.
Dangerous from set pieces.
Incredible team spirit.
Weaknesses
Creates relatively few chances.
Will spend long periods without possession.
Depends heavily on counterattacks.
France
France has looked like the complete package.
The attack is ruthless.
The midfield controls games.
The defence rarely gives opponents opportunities.
Strengths
Elite attacking depth.
Outstanding pace.
Tournament experience.
Strong bench options.
Weaknesses
Can occasionally leave space behind attacking full-backs.
Huge expectations create constant pressure.
Team News, Injuries & Predicted Lineups
Paraguay
Gustavo Alfaro should stick with the side that eliminated Germany.
Predicted XI
Paraguay
4-4-2
Orlando Gill
GK
Juan Cáceres
DEF
Gustavo Gómez
DEF
José Canale
DEF
Junior Alonso
DEF
Miguel Almirón
MID
Diego Gómez
MID
Adrián Cubas
MID
Matías Galarza
MID
Julio Enciso
ATT
Gabriel Ávalos
ATT
France
Didier Deschamps has little reason to rotate.
Predicted XI
France
4-2-3-1
Mike Maignan
GK
Jules Koundé
DEF
Dayot Upamecano
DEF
William Saliba
DEF
Theo Hernández
DEF
Aurélien Tchouaméni
MID
Adrien Rabiot
MID
Michael Olise
MID
Ousmane Dembélé
MID
Bradley Barcola
MID
Kylian Mbappé
ATT
Players Who Could Decide The Match
Kylian Mbappé
Real Madrid, La Liga
Already among the tournament's leading scorers.
His pace against Paraguay's deep defensive line could eventually break the game open.
Best markets
Anytime Goalscorer
First Goalscorer
Over Shots on Target
Michael Olise
Bayern Munich, Bundesliga
One of France's most creative players.
His deliveries and movement between the lines could be the key to unlocking Paraguay's defence.
Miguel Almirón
Atlanta United, MLS
Paraguay's captain remains their biggest attacking outlet.
His pace on the counterattack gives Paraguay genuine hope.
Orlando Gill
San Lorenzo, Argentine Primera División
The hero against Germany.
If Paraguay is to produce another miracle, their goalkeeper will almost certainly need another outstanding performance.
Tactical Battle
France wants quick combinations around the box.
Paraguay wants compact defensive lines.
The biggest battle may be patience.
France will circulate possession until spaces appear.
Paraguay will wait for one mistake before launching Almirón and Enciso forward.
The longer the match stays level, the more uncomfortable France becomes.
The Hidden Betting Angle
Most bettors will back France to win comfortably.
The smarter angle may be France to Win & Under 3.5 Goals.
Paraguay has built its tournament on disciplined defending.
France doesn't need to chase scorelines once it takes control.
Betting Guide & Current Odds
Odds provided by our partners from 1Bet. Odds are subject to change before kick-off. Always verify the latest prices before placing your bet and always gamble responsibly.
France is a heavy favourite at approximately 1.17.
Paraguay is available around 15.00, while the draw after 90 minutes is priced near 7.00.
Expert Betting Tips, Tricks & Strategies
France to Win & Under 3.5 Goals
The best value selection.
Why?
France is clearly the stronger side.
Paraguay rarely concedes heavily.
Alfaro's defensive setup should keep the game competitive.
France knows how to manage knockout matches.
Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer
He's the tournament's most dangerous attacker and always capable of producing a decisive moment.
France to Keep a Clean Sheet
Paraguay has scored only three goals in four World Cup matches and creates few clear-cut chances.
Michael Olise to Register an Assist
His creativity and set-piece quality make this an attractive alternative market.
Editor's Choice
France to Win & Under 3.5 Goals
This offers the strongest combination of probability and value.
Why?
France has been the tournament's most complete team.
Paraguay's defensive organisation should prevent a rout.
Mbappé and Dembélé have too much quality in the final third.
Deschamps' side has the experience to control knockout football.
Predicted Score
Paraguay 0-2 France
Paraguay vs France FAQs
Who is favourite to win Paraguay vs France?
France is the overwhelming favourite after winning all four matches and scoring 13 goals on its way to the Round of 16.
What is the best bet?
France to Win & Under 3.5 Goals provides the best balance of value and probability.
Which player is most likely to score?
Kylian Mbappé remains the standout anytime goalscorer selection.
Can Paraguay produce another upset?
After eliminating Germany, Paraguay has already shown it can compete with elite teams. Another disciplined defensive display will be essential if it hopes to surprise France.
What is the predicted score?
Paraguay 0-2 France.
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