Kylian Mbappe converted a crucial penalty as France edged out Paraguay 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals where they will face Argentina. The match, played on July 4 at the Stade de France, saw Mbappe score from the spot in the 75th minute after a handball in the box.
Match Details
France dominated possession with 62%, but Paraguay's defense held firm until the decisive moment. Paraguay had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half. Mbappe's penalty was his third goal of the tournament, making him France's top scorer so far.
Quarter-Final Lineup
France will now meet Argentina in the quarter-finals, a rematch of the 2022 final. Argentina advanced after a 2-1 win over Nigeria. Other quarter-final fixtures include Brazil vs. Germany and England vs. Spain.
According to FIFA, France's victory means they remain on course to defend their title. Coach Didier Deschamps praised his team's resilience: "It was a tough game, but we showed character. Now we focus on Argentina."
Impact on Tournament
France's win keeps them in contention for back-to-back World Cups, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962. Paraguay, making their first knockout appearance since 2010, exit with heads held high after a strong defensive display.
