France bid to end Paraguay's dream World Cup journey
Les Bleus are overwhelming favourites as Paraguay aim to extend an unlikely World Cup run.
France and Paraguay meet at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday (5 July) with a place in the Fifa World Cup quarter-finals at stake.
The defending runners-up have looked every inch a title contender, winning all four matches while scoring 13 goals. Paraguay, meanwhile, arrive as the tournament's surprise package after eliminating Germany on penalties, but Gustavo Alfaro's side face a far greater challenge against one of the most complete teams in world football.
The match kicks off at 3am BST (Bangladesh Standard Time).
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France strategy
Didier Deschamps is expected to persist with his fluid 4-2-3-1 system, built on relentless attacking movement and high pressing. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot provide control in midfield, allowing Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and either Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola to support Kylian Mbappé. France's greatest strengths are their pace, creativity and clinical finishing, with the tournament's most prolific attack capable of overwhelming opponents from every area of the pitch. Their only vulnerability remains the occasional space left behind an adventurous defensive line, although few teams have been able to exploit it.
Paraguay strategy
Gustavo Alfaro is expected to adopt another compact defensive approach, likely using a back five to frustrate France before attacking on the counter. Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso will provide the main attacking threat, supported by Diego Gómez in midfield. Paraguay's discipline, resilience and organisation have carried them this far, but they are likely to spend long periods without possession. Their lack of attacking firepower against elite opposition leaves them clear underdogs against Les Bleus.
Team news
France have no major selection concerns. Marcus Thuram has recovered from a minor muscle injury and returns to contention, while Didier Deschamps must decide between Lucas Digne and Theo Hernández at left-back, and Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola on the left wing. Paraguay hope Omar Alderete recovers from a knee injury after missing the victory over Germany, while Diego Gómez is available again after suspension.
Probable XI
France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé (c).
Paraguay (5-3-2): Orlando Gill; Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez (c), José Canale, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; Matías Galarza, Andrés Cubas, Diego Gómez; Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso.
