Paraguay vs France predictions and betting tips – Can Les Bleus be stopped?

France have been irresistible so far at World Cup 2026. Les Bleus increasingly look like the team to beat in North America, with their fabulous front four having proved too strong for all four opponents so far.

Paraguay are a tough nut to crack, though, so could they be the first side this summer to frustrate the French? Or will it be business as usual for Didier Deschamps’ men?

• France -2.5 Asian handicap – 6/4 with SBK
• Over 2.5 goals – 8/13 with bet365
• Michael Olise over 0.5 assists – 4/5 with Tote

Paraguay vs France head to head overview

• Date: Saturday 4th July.
• Kick-off: 10pm.
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA.
• Where to watch: TBC.
• Referee: TBC.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: 2nd June 2017; France 5-0 Paraguay.
• Last 10 matches: Paraguay – 0 wins; France – 3 wins; Draws – 2.
• Favourite to win: France.

Paraguay vs France predicted lineups

• Paraguay expected lineup: Gill; Caceres, Alonso, Canale, Gomez; Almiron, Cubas, Bobadilla, Galarza; Enciso, Avalos.
• France expected lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Barcola; Mbappe.

Paraguay vs France predictions

At the time of writing, only two teams have won all four matches at World Cup 2026: Mexico and France.

Argentina would join that duo by beating Cape Verde on Friday, but right now France look like the team to beat at this tournament.

Prizes are not handed out in the round of 32 and the situation can change quickly now we are in the knockout phase of the competition. But France have been hugely impressive up to now.

In what will be the last tournament of his long tenure, Didier Deschamps has removed the shackles from a France side which has played within itself for much of his time in charge. 

Deschamps has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation containing four genuine attackers in Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and one of Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola.

Mbappe and Olise have been particularly superb, helping France score 13 goals in their first four outings in North America.

Deschamps’ charges eased to a 3-0 victory over Sweden last time out. Such is the attacking quality at France’s disposal, it was hard to really criticise Graham Potter’s team for their performance. Sweden were simply outclassed by a superior side.

Next up for France is a clash with Paraguay, who have already eliminated one European heavyweight this summer.

Gustavo Alfaro’s men held Germany to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of action in the round of 32, before winning the penalty shoot-out to send Julian Nagelsmann’s crew home.

The current Germany squad is not a vintage one, however, so a win against France this weekend would go down as a much bigger shock. 

Deschamps will be looking to avoid tripping on this banana skin with red and white stripes.

Paraguay vs France betting tips

Paraguay take on France in the round of 16 at World Cup 2026. Which way will this one go?

France will have too much

Paraguay did a fantastic job against Germany, but their famous win was in large part down to the opposition’s shortcomings.

France will not be as forgiving. They have the wit and imagination to break down this Paraguay rearguard, not least because the Germany game will have taken a lot out of Alvaro’s players.

Paraguay scored first last time out, but if they fall behind they will be forced to chase this match. That would make France even more dangerous in transition.

Paraguay have exceeded expectations to get this far, but France should triumph reasonably comfortably on Saturday.

Back France with a -2.5 Asian handicap at 6/4 with SBK

How many goals?

Paraguay have only conceded one goal in their last three games. 

Their entire football identity is built on rugged, backs-to-the-wall defending, so they will be in their element against France. There is no danger of Alfaro’s side being too gung-ho.

But as mentioned above, Paraguay will have to come out and play at some point if they fall behind to France, which is more likely than not. 

There have been over 2.5 goals in 100 percent of France’s games at this tournament to date, which we like the look of this wager.

Tip over 2.5 goals at 8/13 with bet365

Olise to shine again

Mbappe has grabbed the headlines in North America, scoring six goals in four appearances so far.

No one in World Cup history has scored more World Cup knockout goals than Mbappe, who has struck 10 times in the do-or-die stage of the competition.

In terms of overall performance, though, Olise has been Mbappe’s equal. The Bayern Munich man has dazzled in a No.10 role, providing a tournament-high five assists in France’s first four encounters.

Olise’s invention will be required against this stubborn, obdurate Paraguay team in Philadelphia.

Go for Michael Olise to provide an assist at 4/5 with Tote

Paraguay vs France latest odds

Find the latest Paraguay vs France betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Paraguay and France for betting

France recently became the first team in World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches, beginning with the final in 2022. In their five previous meetings with Paraguay, France have scored 14 goals. Paraguay have never won a World Cup knockout tie without the need for a penalty shoot-out.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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