Paraguay vs France prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, July 5, 2026
World Cup
In the Round of 16 of the World Cup on July 5, 2026, the national teams of Paraguay and France will face off. The favorite here is clear, but the opponent has already produced several upsets.
Paraguay vs France: Team News and Expert Analysis
Paraguay missed several World Cups. But finally delivered a worthy result, managing to collect 28 points from eighteen qualification matches. Their long-awaited tournament started with a heavy defeat, 1-4 against the USA. But then their tactical approach began to pay off. A narrow win over Turkey and a pragmatic goalless draw with Australia paved their way to the playoffs, where they sensationally knocked out Germany — winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The French, finalists at the 2018 (winners) and 2022 (lost to Argentina on penalties) World Cups, qualified smoothly for the current tournament, winning five of six qualifying matches with a draw in Iceland. At the tournament itself, this powerhouse has been consistently strong. They beat Senegal, Iraq, and even Norway (albeit with Norway fielding a second squad) in the group stage, and thrashed Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. Mbappé already has six goals!
The South Americans are pragmatic — they average 1.2 goals both scored and conceded per match. The runners-up score an average of 2.9 goals and concede only 0.8.
Previous Matches: Paraguay vs France
In five meetings, France won twice while three ended in draws. Notably, at the "home" World Cup in 1998, after a 0-0 draw, Blanc scored in extra time, sending his team further down the path to the trophy.
Now, Deschamps' men look more stable — we back them to win with a handicap of "-1.5 goals" (odds – 1.66).
Paraguay vs France: Key Stats and Trends
- Paraguay has lost only one of their last five matches
- 50% of Paraguay's matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per game is 2.4
- France has won nine of their last ten matches
- 70% of France's matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per game is 3.7
Paraguay vs France: Probable Starting Lineups
Paraguay plays in a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Gil, Alonso, Canale, Gomez, Caceres, Galarza, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almiron, Enciso, Avalos
France plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Maignan - Digne, Saliba, Upamecano, Koundé - Rabiot, Tchouaméni - Barcola, Olise, Dembélé - Mbappé. Cherki is reportedly depressed due to his substitute status
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow the team's performance in the World Cup standings
