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.
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France won with a minimum score from Paraguay, which had previously knocked Germany out of the tournament, the only goal Kilian Mbappe scored, and Morocco easily beat Canada at 3:0. Moroccans and French will meet each other at 1/4 finals.
Mbappe penalty leads France to win over Paraguay and World Cup quarterfinals
Kylian Mbappe converted a second-half penalty as France edged Paraguay 1-0 on Saturday to book a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overcoming their South American opponents in a physical contest amidst sweltering conditions in Philadelphia.Paraguay
The French team qualified Saturday night for the quarter finals of the World Championship by finishing with Paraguayans (1-0). "A psychological test", dixit the former Franco-Congolese side of Neuchâtel Xamax – successfully crossed. In particular, he greets, thanks to the coolness of the captain, particularly targetedThe most important one is the result. This repeated aphorism in football cannot fit better to the reality of France-Paraguay on Sa…
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