The France national team will face a significantly tougher challenge in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup when they take on Paraguay. The South American side, having eliminated Germany in the first knockout round, is known for its pragmatic, tough, and highly defensive style that can disrupt the fluid passing game of any favorite.
Against Germany, Paraguay showcased an exemplary defensive strategy, effectively neutralizing the Bundesliga midfield through relentless pressure on the ball carrier and tight man-marking. Earlier, in their match against Turkey, Gustavo Alfaro’s squad controlled possession for only 22% of the game but still managed to secure a narrow victory.
France’s coaching staff is fully aware of the challenge ahead. Didier Deschamps’ assistant, Guy Stephan, emphasized that the team is preparing for a high volume of minor fouls and intense physical battles, describing Paraguay as a uniquely difficult opponent. Deschamps himself, who faced this team as captain during France’s victorious 1998 World Cup campaign, noted that the Paraguayan side’s DNA is built around resilience and aggressive defending.
The winner of this fixture will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will meet the winner of the Canada versus Morocco matchup.
The Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France is scheduled for July 5th, with kickoff set for 21:00 UTC.
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