World Cup 2026: Paraguay vs France Tips, Prediction & Odds

* Prices from Betway, accurate when this was written.

France meet Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in the Round of 16, kicking off at 23:00 CAT on Saturday night. Les Bleus got here by sweeping Sweden aside 3-nil, while Paraguay pulled off the shock of the knockouts by knocking Germany out on penalties. Whoever wins goes through to the quarter finals and keeps their World Cup hopes alive. You can find every World Cup betting tips we have in our dedicated section.

Paraguay

Paraguay have been the big story of the knockout stage, and I think Gustavo Alfaro deserves huge praise for the deep, organised block that choked Germany. Miguel Almiron came back from his group stage ban to run the show, and Julio Enciso is one of their biggest dangers in the final third. My worry is tiredness, as that shootout win went all the way and Enciso looked leggy by the end. Against French speed, I think Alfaro will sit deep again and ask his back five to throw everything at defending.

Expected Lineup: Gill; Caceres, Canale, Gomez, Alonso; Enciso, Bobadilla, Cubas, Galarza, Almiron; Avalos.

France

France look dominant to me, and I see nothing to suggest Didier Deschamps’ side will be held up in this game. Kylian Mbappe hit one hundred caps in the group stage and already has two goals against Sweden to his name, while Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise bring width and creativity. The squad has no new injury problems, so I think the same core that took Sweden apart will start. The way I see it, France have too much quality in every area and should win easily.

Expected Lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe.

France have the speed and accuracy to pick apart a crowded defence, and I think Mbappe will be the difference once the game opens up. Paraguay will fight hard, but the difference in quality is just too big for them to stay with France for ninety minutes. My forecast: Paraguay 0 France 2.

BTTS: No (1.49)

I am going with BTTS: No because Paraguay have shown they will give up almost all attacking ambition to stay in a game. They failed to score against Australia and have only scored in small numbers all tournament, depending on the odd spark from Enciso. With France set to control the ball and protect a lead, at 1.49 the value lies with Paraguay not scoring.