Paraguay vs France prediction 04.07.2026 | World Cup

Paraguay's biggest success at the World Cup was in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals. Now, La Albirroja is only one step away from repeating success, but knocking out France seems pretty unrealistic right now. Paraguay opened the tournament with a terrible 4-1 defeat against the USA, but Alfaro's team improved and picked up four points in the next two games. In the 1/16 final, they stunned Germany with a victory after the penalty shootout. The opposition dominated the game, particularly after the break and throughout extra time. Still, Paraguay defended resolutely and, with a fair share of luck, managed to hold on before eventually triumphing in the penalty shootout.

Paraguay's head coach, Gustavo Alfaro, was ecstatic after a big victory against Germany. He said, "We never believe that we are beaten. Twenty-six warriors went out there, and they came back as legends."

Julio Enciso and Gabriel Avalos suffered injuries in the previous match, and it is still unclear whether they will be ready for the game against France. Omar Alderete missed the last round, and he is also questionable for the upcoming clash. The good news for Paraguay is that Diego Gomez served his suspension and should return to the starting lineup.

After losing in the final four years ago in Qatar, France are hoping to return to the throne. France have been outstanding at this World Cup, winning all four of their matches in convincing fashion. More importantly, Didier Deschamps' men have dominated virtually every aspect of the game so far in the tournament. In the previous game, France won 3-0 against Sweden. The offensive display they produced seemed unstoppable in most of the match and was too much for the opponents.

France's attacking quartet is maybe even the best in football history. They scored 13 goals in four matches at the tournament so far. After the previous game, Deschamps commented, "The understanding between our attacking players ​is excellent. It's not just that ​they get on well as people. ⁠They speak the same football language, and from that point on, everything moves in the right direction."

France's Marcus Thuram is still nursing a muscle injury, and it is unclear whether he will be ready for Saturday's game in Philadelphia.