World Cup 2026 | France 1 - 0 Paraguay

World Cup favourites France were forced to work hard to secure their place in the quarter-finals

Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty enough to edge past a determined Paraguay in Philadelphia.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium

Paraguay restricted the two-time champions to very few clear openings until substitute Desire Doue was brought down inside the penalty area by Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev pointed to the spot after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

Mbappe confidently converted the penalty, sending Orlando Gill the wrong way to book France's place in the last eight. His seventh goal of the tournament also saw him draw level with Argentina great Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

The last-16 tie began in searing heat, with temperatures climbing to 38C, yet France quickly established control of possession.

Even so, Paraguay's disciplined defensive display proved difficult to breach and France's frustration became apparent in the 36th minute when Mbappe reacted angrily after being fouled by Andres Cubas.

Gustavo Alfaro's side, who stunned Germany on penalties in the previous round, remained well organised throughout a tense first half that ended goalless, with neither team managing a shot on target.

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France emerged after the interval with greater purpose and finally tested Gill in the 54th minute when Manu Kone struck from distance for their first effort on target.

The breakthrough eventually arrived after Doue replaced Bradley Barcola on the left flank. Just four minutes after coming on, the 21-year-old Paris St-Germain forward surged into the area, skipped past a defender and was clipped by Gomez, allowing Mbappe to convert from the spot and send France through to the quarter-finals.

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