Here’s the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-05 01:36:00.
PHILADELPHIA — It wasn’t an easy match for France, but a penalty from Kylian Mbappé in the 70th minute secured a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, allowing them to advance to the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The game started slowly amid the sweltering summer heat, featuring few shots and minimal scoring chances. In the first half, both teams exchanged fouls, resulting in a low expected goals (xG) total of just 0.20. France earned a penalty when Paraguay’s captain, Gustavo Gómez, brought down substitute Désiré Doué in the box, after a lengthy VAR review confirmed the call.
Mbappé stepped up to take the penalty, skillfully sending goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way. This goal marked Mbappé’s seventh in the tournament, tying him with Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the quest for the Golden Boot. It also made him the second player in history, alongside Messi, to score seven goals in two different World Cups.
France Face Stiff Resistance from Paraguay
France came into this game after defeating Senegal, Iraq, and Norway’s B-team, but Paraguay proved to be a different challenge. Riding the momentum from their previous victory over Germany, Paraguay deployed a low block to stifle the attacking threat from France’s star players.
In the sweltering conditions of South Philadelphia, Paraguay aimed to disrupt the rhythm of the game with physical play and tactical fouls. They relied on quick, counter-attacking opportunities through players like Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso, hoping to catch France off guard.
Despite employing a more defensive strategy, Paraguay managed to frustrate France for most of the match. French coach Didier Deschamps recognized the challenge and kept his lineup mostly unchanged, trusting his offensive players to create scoring opportunities. This strategy ultimately paid off as the match progressed.
Once the hour mark approached, Deschamps made a crucial substitution, bringing in Doué for Barcola. This change paid dividends when Doué’s run led to the VAR-reviewed penalty that Mbappé successfully converted.
After the match, Deschamps noted the difficulties of breaking through a disciplined defense and praised his team’s ability to stay composed amidst provocation. Mbappé echoed this sentiment, declaring their readiness to adapt and confront challenges head-on.
Upcoming Challenges for France
Next up for France is a quarterfinal showdown against Morocco on Thursday in Boston. Meanwhile, Paraguay exits the tournament with pride, having shown resilience and tactical awareness throughout their campaign.
FAQs
What was the final score of the match between France and Paraguay?
France won 1-0 against Paraguay, advancing to the round of 16.
Who scored the winning goal for France?
Kylian Mbappé scored the winning penalty in the 70th minute.
Key Facts
- Category:
- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-05 01:36:00
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Tags: #France #pass #toughest #World #Cup #test #beating #feisty #Paraguay
Tags: #France #pass #toughest #World #Cup #test #beating #feisty #Paraguay
