Paraguay vs France Predicted Lineups & Team News

Paraguay caused one of the biggest shocks in the round of 32 as they beat Germany on penalties to send Julian Nagelsmann’s men home, setting up a last-16 clash with tournament favourites France. 

They meet on Saturday in Philadelphia (5pm local, 10pm BST), and below you can find the latest Paraguay vs France Predicted Lineups & Team News.

Paraguay

Paraguay will welcome back Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez after he was suspended against Germany due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Gustavo Alfaro played a 4-4-2 in that one, but there is also some concern surrounding star man Julio Enciso.

He came off injured with a muscle issue, and the manager will be desperate to have him fit for this one. Sunderland centre-back Omar Alderete also missed that victory, which makes their progression even more remarkable.

He limped off against Australia and is a doubt for this one again, forcing Alfaro’s hand into playing a back four once again. Up against this fearsome Frech attack, he will prefer a back five. 

Miguel Almiron was sent off against Turkey for covering his mouth and missed the last two group games, but started on the right of midfield against Germany and will keep his place.

France

The Harlem Globetrotters of this World Cup are unlikely to change too much after another sensational display against Sweden. Michael Olise is flying in the number ten role, having registered five assists at this World Cup already.

Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola make up the preferred front four, although Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki are still waiting in the wings to impact matches from the bench. 

Didier Deschamps was able to take both full-backs off in the form of Jules Kounde and Lucas Digne, but that was with the game won so we can expect them both to start in an unchanged XI. Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot look to have locked down the midfield spots ahead of N’Golo Kante and Manu Kone.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Paraguay vs France Odds over on betfred.com

Paraguay vs France Key Players:

Key Player - Orlando Gill (Paraguay)

Paraguaya goalkeeper Orlando Gill became a superstar during that penalty-shootout win. The 6ft 6in giant saved two penalties to send his side into the last-16 and had a superb game, to go with his amazing tournament.

Since being battered 4-1 by hosts USA, he has saved 16 out of 17 shots on target, and conceded just once in three games. He is going to have to have the game of his life and if he can keep France down to even one goal, he’s done well. He’s the big man for the big occasion.

Key Player - Kylian Mbappe (France)

It’s Mbappe. He has shown just how good he is in a France shirt at this World Cup - scoring six goals in four games. He is now on 18 World Cup goals (in 18 games) and is in the race with Lionel Messi for both the Golden Boot in 2026 and the all-time record which he will surely get at some point.

He is the difference-maker for France and should be able to get on the scoresheet again.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com