France enters the tournament as one of the favorites to claim their third World Cup title. So far, Didier Deschamps’ side has won all four of their matches, scoring a total of 13 goals while conceding just 2.
However, in the round of 16, they face not only a Paraguay team capable of causing an upset but also the challenge of extreme heat, which could significantly impact the outcome of the game.
Today, Kylian Mbappé and his teammates will have to contend with suffocating weather conditions, with temperatures expected to reach around 38 degrees Celsius.
French midfielder Désiré Doué acknowledged the toll the heat will take on the match: “Yes, we expend a lot of energy. We sweat more and lose more water. It can affect our mental sharpness on the pitch. We came to the US where it was already hot, and today it’s even hotter. But both teams will be playing under the same conditions, and we are fully prepared for this game.”
France’s head coach Didier Deschamps revealed that he and his assistant Guy Stéphan attended matches of the 2025 Club World Cup, also held in the United States, gaining insight into how the heat can influence the flow of a game.
When asked whether his team would adopt measures some squads have used during this tournament—such as keeping substitutes in air-conditioned rooms during the first half—Deschamps declined to specify.
“Is it beneficial for players’ health under extreme conditions, whether heat, cold, or a hard pitch? It’s not ideal. But we didn’t choose this scenario, so we adapt and try to anticipate the situation,” Deschamps explained.
It is worth noting that the Paraguay vs. France match will take place overnight from Saturday to Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 UTC.
