France 1-0 Paraguay: World Cup 2026 Last 16.

France 1-0 Paraguay: World Cup 2026 Last 16.

                    Paraguay 0-1 France: FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 – as it happened. By Al Jazeera Sport Staff Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Attendance: 68,742.
            France are through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a spirited Paraguay side. A second-half goal from Kylian Mbappé proved decisive in a match that showcased both the gulf in quality between the two nations and the never-say-die attitude of the South Americans. Les Bleus will now face the winner of Brazil vs Norway in the last eight.

Our comprehensive World Cup coverage continues into tomorrow. First, we have Brazil take on Norway, in what promises to be an attacking affair. The live blog begins at 17:00 GMT. Following that, we have England playing Mexico in their backyard, with the live blog set to start at 21:00 GMT.

Pre-match The last-16 tie pitted a star-studded France side, ranked among the pre-tournament favourites, against a Paraguay team that has grown into the competition. La Albirroja topped a tough Group E ahead of expectations, drawing on their legendary defensive resilience and set-piece prowess. France, meanwhile, finished second in their group after an unconvincing start but showed flashes of brilliance.

Team news France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Griezmann, Mbappé; Giroud. Paraguay (5-4-1): Silva; Romero, Balbuena, Alonso, Gómez, Enciso; Carrasco, Cubas, Villasanti, Bobadilla; Ávalos.

Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil).

Kick-off (1') We are underway in Atlanta! France, as expected, immediately take control of possession. Paraguay have set up in a deep defensive block, looking to hit on the counter.

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3' Early chance for France. Ousmane Dembélé skins his marker on the right and crosses low, but Omar Alderete (on for the injured Balbuena early) clears it well. Paraguay already showing their physicality.

7' Paraguay win a free-kick in midfield after a foul by Adrien Rabiot. The crowd, which has a sizeable Paraguayan contingent waving the red-and-white flags, roars in support. The delivery is headed away by William Saliba.

12' France dominating territory but struggling to create clear openings. Paraguay's midfield trio of Cubas, Villasanti and Bobadilla are working overtime to close spaces. Kylian Mbappé has been quiet so far, closely marked by two players.

18' First real shot of the match. Antoine Griezmann picks up the ball 25 yards out and curls one towards the top corner. Carlos Miguel Silva in the Paraguay goal tips it over acrobatically. Corner to France.

21' Yellow card: Gustavo Gómez (Paraguay) – Late challenge on Mbappé. The French captain is getting frustrated.

26' Mbappé tries to take matters into his own hands, cutting inside from the left and shooting. Blocked by Alonso. France have had 68% possession but no shots on target yet.

31' Paraguay's first meaningful attack. A long ball over the top finds Ávalos, who holds it up well before laying it off to Enciso. The cross is claimed comfortably by Mike Maignan.

35' Half an hour gone and it's a tactical battle. Didier Deschamps' side are probing patiently, while Paraguay are happy to sit deep and wait for mistakes. The heat in Atlanta is playing a factor – both teams taking drinks breaks.

39' Chance for France! Theo Hernández overlaps and delivers a dangerous cross. Olivier Giroud rises highest but heads just wide. Close!

42' Griezmann forces another save from Silva after a neat one-two with Tchouaméni. France are turning up the pressure as half-time approaches.

45+1' One minute of added time. Paraguay survive a late flurry. Half-time: Paraguay 0-0 France.

Half-time analysis France have had the lion's share of possession and chances but Paraguay's organisation has been excellent. La Albirroja have limited Mbappé effectively so far. Deschamps will likely look to introduce fresh legs or change shape to break down the low block.

Second half (46') We're back underway. No changes at the break.

49' Early pressure from France again. Dembélé's pace is causing problems down the right.

52' Substitution – Paraguay: Julio Enciso off, Alejandro Romero Gamarra (Kaku) on. Fresh legs in attack for La Albirroja.

55' Mbappé finally finds some space! He beats his man and shoots from a tight angle – Silva parries it. Rebound falls to Griezmann, whose shot is blocked on the line by Gómez. So close!

58' Paraguay break! Bobadilla drives forward and feeds Ávalos, but Upamecano makes a crucial interception. End-to-end stuff now.

61' GOOOOAAAALLLL! France 1-0 Paraguay – Kylian Mbappé

What a moment! Griezmann slides a perfect pass through the channel. Mbappé races onto it, rounds the keeper and slots it home with his left foot. The captain delivers when it matters. France lead, and the weight of expectation eases slightly. Paraguay's defence finally breached after a heroic effort.

64' Paraguay respond immediately. They push higher up the pitch, trying to find an equaliser. Free-kick opportunity after a foul by Rabiot.

67' Substitution – France: Eduardo Camavinga on for Adrien Rabiot. Deschamps bolstering midfield control.

70' The goal has changed the dynamic. Paraguay must come out more, leaving spaces that France's attackers can exploit. Mbappé is looking dangerous every time he gets the ball.

73' Yellow card: Fabien Centurión (Paraguay substitute) – Time-wasting.

76' Another chance for France. Dembélé crosses, Giroud heads it down, and Mbappé volleys just over. Could easily have been 2-0.

79' Double substitution – Paraguay: Ramón Sosa and Gabriel Ávalos off, Jesús Medina and Antonio Sanabria on. All-out attack mode now for the South Americans.

82' Sanabria almost makes an instant impact! A header from a corner is brilliantly saved by Maignan. Paraguay are throwing everything forward.

85' Substitution – France: Kingsley Coman on for Ousmane Dembélé. Fresh legs on the wing.

88' France playing keep-ball now, managing the game. Paraguay pressing high but looking fatigued.

90+1' Six minutes added time. Tension rising in Atlanta.

90+3' Huge chance for Paraguay! A long throw causes chaos in the French box. Sanabria gets a shot away but it's deflected wide. Corner.

90+4' The corner is cleared by Saliba. France counter. Mbappé is away... he squares it for Coman, but the shot is saved by Silva. Heart-in-mouth stuff.

90+6' Full-time whistle! Paraguay 0-1 France.

France advance, but they were made to work extremely hard by a magnificent Paraguay side who can hold their heads high.

Post-match reaction

Didier Deschamps (France manager): "It was a difficult match as we expected. Paraguay defended very well and made it tough. The goal from Kylian was crucial. We now focus on the next round."

Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguay manager): "My players gave everything. We competed with one of the best teams in the world. I'm proud of them. Football can be cruel sometimes, but this generation has shown what Paraguay can do."

Player ratings France: Maignan 7, Koundé 7, Saliba 8, Upamecano 7, Theo Hernández 7, Tchouaméni 7, Rabiot 6, Dembélé 7, Griezmann 8, Mbappé 9, Giroud 6. Subs: Camavinga 7, Coman 6. Paraguay: Silva 8, Romero 7, Balbuena/Alonso 7, Gómez 7, Enciso 6, Carrasco 6, Cubas 7, Villasanti 7, Bobadilla 7, Ávalos 6, Subs: Kaku 6, Sanabria 7.

Match statistics
Possession: France 62% – Paraguay 38%
Shots: France 18 (7 on target) – Paraguay 7 (3 on target)
Corners: France 9 – Paraguay 6
Fouls: France 12 – Paraguay 16
Yellow cards: France 1 – Paraguay 3

Key moment Mbappé's clinical finish in the 61st minute. It was a moment of world-class quality that separated two well-drilled teams.

What next? France advance to face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals. Paraguay exit with immense credit, having pushed a heavyweight all the way in a performance that will live long in the memory of their fans.

Our comprehensive World Cup coverage continues into tomorrow. First, we have Brazil take on Norway, in what promises to be an attacking affair. The live blog begins at 17:00 GMT. Following that, we have England playing Mexico in their backyard, with the live blog set to start at 21:00 GMT.
Stay tuned to Al Jazeera Sport for all the latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.