After stunning four-time champions Germany, Paraguay faces Kylian Mbappé and tournament favorite France in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 clash at Philadelphia Stadium.
Fresh off a dramatic knockout victory over four-time world champions Germany, La Albirroja enters the match riding a wave of confidence, while France arrives as one of the tournament's most dominant teams behind a relentless attack led by Kylian Mbappé.
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals on July 9 at Boston Stadium, where Canada or Morocco awaits.
Paraguay's Cinderella Run Continues
Paraguay captured the attention of the football world by eliminating Germany in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter.
A first-half strike from Julio Enciso provided the breakthrough before goalkeeper Orlando Gill delivered a heroic performance in the penalty shootout, securing Paraguay's first FIFA World Cup knockout victory since reaching the quarterfinals in South Africa in 2010.
Now, head coach Gustavo Alfaro hopes his fearless squad can produce another unforgettable upset.
"We're feeling good," Alfaro said. "It's a privilege to play a match like tomorrow's against one of the best teams in the world. Just making it this far is already a victory for us. We're free from pressure now. We want to keep making history."
Paraguay has embraced the underdog role throughout the tournament, combining disciplined defending with timely attacking opportunities and exceptional goalkeeping.
