Kylian Mbappé scored his seventh goal of the 2026 edition, securing a 1-0 victory for France over Paraguay in the Round of 16 match. The win sets up a quarterfinal showdown with Morocco at the FIFA World Cup, keeping France on track for another title.
Mbappé’s decisive goal came from a penalty in the second half, propelling him to seven goals in the tournament and tying him with Lionel Messi. Despite a physical challenge from Paraguay, France managed to break through their defense, with Mbappé converting the spot-kick to advance to the next round.
France faced a tough battle as Paraguay put up a strong defensive display, frustrating their attacking efforts. The Les Bleus controlled possession but struggled to breach their opponent’s defense, relying on long-range attempts that failed to trouble Paraguay’s goalkeeper.
After a VAR review awarded France a penalty, Mbappé calmly converted the spot-kick in the 69th minute, securing France’s spot in the quarterfinals. Coach Didier Deschamps praised his team for staying focused amidst Paraguay’s defensive tactics, emphasizing the importance of the hard-fought victory.
France, a two-time World Cup winner, will now face Morocco in the quarterfinals at the Boston Stadium on July 9, aiming to continue their quest for another championship.
