France booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay, as Kylian Mbappé’s second-half penalty proved enough to separate the sides in a tense last-16 encounter.
Didier Deschamps’ men were made to work for their place in the last eight by a determined Paraguayan side that defended resolutely and threatened to take the game into extra time.
France thought they had broken the deadlock in the 19th minute when Bradley Barcola found the net, but the effort was ruled out, leaving the match goalless at half-time despite the Europeans enjoying the better of the possession.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute after a VAR review awarded France a penalty. Mbappé kept his composure from the spot, calmly converting to hand Les Bleus the decisive advantage.
Paraguay pushed forward in search of an equaliser but found France’s defence difficult to breach as the European giants expertly managed the closing stages.
France’s discipline was reflected in bookings for Manu Koné in the 81st minute and Michael Olise deep into stoppage time, but they held firm to secure a narrow victory.
The result sends France into the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco in what promises to be a fascinating showdown. The Atlas Lions earned their place in the last eight after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.
For Paraguay, the defeat ends an impressive World Cup campaign, having reached the knockout stages before eliminating Germany on penalties in the Round of 32. France, meanwhile, remain firmly on course for another deep run in the tournament, with Mbappé once again proving the difference when it mattered most.
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