2026 World Cup: Paraguay vs. France, Probable Lineups

Paraguay and France face off at 11 p.m. in Philadelphia (Italian time) for a spot among the world’s top eight national teams. La Albirroja, which finished third in its group and is coming off an incredible victory against Germany in the round of 16, needs another miracle to get past Didier Deschamps’s red-hot powerhouse, which, after dominating its group, crushed Sweden with three goals.

Just as they did against Germany, Paraguay will set up a veritable wall in front of their goal while simultaneously trying to create threats on offense. Enciso and Avalos will be the two strikers, with Almiron and Galarza on the wings. Bobadilla and Cubas will serve as the first line of defense in front of the heroic backline that stopped the Germans: Cáceres, Gómez, Canale, and Alonso.

France enters the match as the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament. Mbappé and Olise’s performance against Sweden is still fresh in everyone’s minds; they’ll be joined in the attack by Dembelé and Barcola. In midfield, Tchouaméni is out with a muscle injury; Koné will play alongside Rabiot. Digne is expected to edge out Theo Hernandez for the left-back spot.

Paraguay vs. France: Probable Lineups
PARAGUAY (4-4-2): Gill; Cacéres, G. Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Almiron, Bobadilla, Cubas, Galarza; Enciso, Avalos.
FRANCE (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.