Kylian Mbappe’s second-half penalty sent France into the World Cup quarter-finals after a hard-fought win over Paraguay.
France secured a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Philadelphia to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. Mbappe converted a second-half penalty after substitute Désiré Doué was brought down inside the box following a VAR review.
Paraguay frustrated the tournament favourites for much of the match, keeping them without a shot on target in the first half. France finally found the breakthrough after Doué’s lively run earned the decisive spot-kick, with Mbappe calmly beating goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The goal also moved the French captain level with Lionel Messi on seven goals in the race for the Golden Boot.
France will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals after the Atlas Lions eliminated co-hosts Canada. Paraguay exit the tournament after another disciplined display, having already impressed by knocking out Germany in the previous round.
France remain on course for another World Cup title, while Paraguay leave the tournament with their reputation enhanced.
