The knockout rounds of the World Cup often bring unexpected outcomes, leaving fans to ponder the most shocking moments in tournament history. Unlike group stage surprises, knockout matches tend to feature established teams, but there have been notable upsets in recent tournaments, notably by Morocco and Croatia. If Paraguay manages to eliminate France today, it would certainly be a landmark moment.
Today’s conditions could level the playing field, with the temperature soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit—equivalent to 37.8 degrees Celsius. However, for the sake of convenience, we’ll stick with the more relatable Fahrenheit measure, as it sounds more dramatic.
Typically, one might expect France to dominate this match, but the extreme heat could present unexpected challenges. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, acknowledged that despite their strong performance in the tournament, they won’t underestimate Paraguay.
“They are not here by chance. Germany are a top side, and they have that South American DNA, which means they get stuck in,” Deschamps explained. “And they have good players too. You can’t just qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup like that by chance.”
The United States remains one of only two co-hosts in the tournament following Canada’s defeat to Morocco, who will face the winner of this match. More details on the Canada game can be found in the match report.
Beau will be here shortly to provide updates. In the meantime, here’s a quick overview of what to anticipate in today’s encounter:
Match Preview
France has shown itself to be a formidable opponent, having overwhelmed every team it has faced thus far in the 2026 World Cup. Their attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise has been prolific in both scoring and assisting.
On the other hand, Paraguay has demonstrated its capability to defy expectations after eliminating Germany. Although they have yet to secure a victory against France in four encounters over the past 68 years, Paraguay’s strategy could pose a significant challenge to the favorites.
Key Player: Michael Olise, France– After providing two assists in the victory against Sweden, Olise has established himself as a crucial playmaker for France. His versatility suggests he could perform even better in a central role compared to his position as a right winger.
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup
- France
- Paraguay
