Kylian Mbappé Scores Again and France Reaches World Cup Quarterfinals with 1-0 Win over Paraguay
Mbappé converted a second-half penalty after a VAR review as France stayed perfect and advanced to face Morocco.
- On Saturday, July 4, 2026, France defeated Paraguay 1-0 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals. Captain Kylian Mbappé converted a decisive 70th-minute penalty kick.
- Temperatures reached 100°F in Philadelphia, forcing hydration breaks during the match. Les Bleus struggled against Paraguay's disciplined low-block defense, unable to generate offensive rhythm in extreme heat.
- A video assistant referee review awarded the penalty after Diego Gómez fouled Désiré Doué in the box. Mbappé converted the spot-kick, his 19th career World Cup goal, moving him within one of Lionel Messi's record of 20.
- Following the victory, France will face Morocco in the quarterfinals on Thursday, July 9, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Morocco advanced after defeating Canada 3-0 earlier Saturday.
- Mbappé noted the match proved Les Bleus can 'get our hands dirty' and win ugly, countering expectations of purely offensive play. The result mirrors France's 1998 World Cup run, when they also edged Paraguay before winning the tournament.
224 Articles
224 Articles
Kylian Mbappé meets with a penalty to the hard-fought eight-elfin victory of the great title favourite. Lothar Matthäus succumbs to Julian Nagelsmann's criticism.
World Cup: Kylian Mbappé scores again, France books quarters
PHILADELPHIA — Kylian Mbappé laughed and smiled — and scored, of course — when Paraguay tried to bait him and his French teammates into fouls and provoke fights, as hot heads became a recurring theme during one of the steamiest World Cup games on record. After the final whistle, Mbappé kept on walking and left Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill hanging as Gill extended his right hand in a show of sportsmanship. In response, Gill threw the ball r…
Mitfavorit Morocco in the World Cup quarter final – Canada out World Cup crime – Argentina needs extension against Cape Verde +++ Premiere victory in the Elfer drama – Egypt in the eighth final +++ The newsblog.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
