Kylian Mbappé’s France have looked like the standout side at this World Cup, and they are set to face Paraguay on Tuesday with a strong expectation that they will extend their campaign into the quarter-finals.
For Les Bleus, the most credible obstacle may not be their opponents but the conditions in Philadelphia, where extreme heat and the possibility of storms could play a major role on the day.
This is a last-16 encounter between a clear favourite and an underdog, but it also carries historic weight. It falls on the July 4 holiday weekend in the birthplace of American independence, adding extra significance to the stage for both teams.
France will be chasing a remarkable milestone. After lifting the trophy in 2018 and then losing the 2022 final on penalties, they are aiming to become only the third team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals, following the achievements of West Germany and Brazil.
That record is still some distance away, yet France’s performances so far suggest they could be very difficult to stop. Their momentum was underlined in the round of 32, when they overwhelmed Sweden 3-0.
In that match, Mbappé struck twice and Bradley Barcola added one goal, taking France’s tally to 13 goals across four straight wins. The victory over Sweden served as another reminder of how sharply they have started each game in this tournament.
France have enjoyed considerable success during Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure, but for a long time there was a feeling that a more cautious, pragmatic approach might have limited how far their attack could truly go. That perception now appears to be changing.
With this tournament marking his last before stepping down, Deschamps has overseen a France side that looks far more fluent and forceful going forward. Mbappé, Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and the standout Michael Olise all appear capable of turning matches with moments of pace, creativity, and sharp decision-making.
Deschamps highlighted that chemistry after the Sweden game, saying there is “an excellent rapport between the attacking players,” and that they “speak the same footballing language.”
France are therefore widely viewed as strong candidates to win their third World Cup, and they are certainly expected to get past a Paraguay team ranked 41st in the world. Still, the reality of knockout football is that reputations do not always translate neatly onto the pitch.
Paraguay arrive in Philadelphia with confidence lifted by their own major triumph. They edged Germany on penalties, a result celebrated back home to the extent that a national holiday was declared.
Deschamps also addressed Paraguay’s credentials, noting that they are “not here by chance.” He pointed to Germany as “a top side,” and added that Paraguay possess “that South American DNA,” which he believes helps them get “stuck in.” He also stressed that their squad includes quality players, saying you cannot reach the last 16 of the World Cup like that by accident.
