France vs Paraguay
France’s pursuit of the World Cup 2026 title continues on Saturday in Philadelphia when Paraguay, the conquerors of Germany, will try to stop the relentless Blue march.
Didier Decshamps’ team are gathering serious momentum and have, arguably, looked the best side in the competition over their first four games. Argentina and Spain are Les Bleus biggest threats but there is a certain swagger about the French which, on the evidence so far, looks to be entirely justified.
Paraguay boss Gustavo Alfaro can be rightly proud of his team’s performance over the past two weeks. La Albirroja recovered from a 4-1 spanking at the hands of the USA to pick up four points in their next two group games and then they dumped 2014 champions Germany out of the competition in the Round of 32.
But France is the next level…and some!
Talking Points
Who can stop France?
The World Cup 2026 betting odds have been nudging towards Argentina, and the Albiceleste, along with Spain, were my pre-tournament picks for the title. But this SBOTOP writer is joining the clamour around Les Bleus and marvelling at the way they have played so far, with the possible exception of the opening half of their 3-1 win over Senegal in their opening game. Since then, Deschamps’ men have been imperious, beating Iraq, Norway and Sweden, each by three clear goals.
This team has everything, but it is the form of captain Kylian Mbappe which has really captured everyone’s attention. His two goals in the 3-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night took him up to six goals and level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. The thing I have noticed, after a frustrating campaign with Real Madrid is that Mbappe is enjoying his football again…I’ve never seen him smile so much. And they way he ran to celebrate his first against Sweden with manager Deschamps, followed by his team-mates shows the real togetherness in this group… and that could make them unbeatable.
The team isn’t about Mbappe, though the way he jinked into position to rifle in a beauty for his first against the Swedes got everyone off their seats. In 4-1 win over Norway, it was Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele who scored a hat-trick and his two young clubmates, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have both impressed and got on the scoresheet. Against Sweden, Bayern Munich star Michael Olise was in scintillating form and the sheer number of threats this team poses can make them unplayable.
Last time I wrote about France, in my preview of the match with Sweden, I asked whether Graham Potter’s team could shake up Les Bleus. Now I’m asking if anyone can. Next up Alfaro’s Paraguay.
Paraguay seek another big European scalp
Dumping Germany out of the competition made big World Cup 2026 news and ignited the knockout phase for neutrals across the globe. And now the brave men of Paraguay are set to take on the best, after being the first nation in history to beat Germany on penalties at a World Cup. They are already history makers and now Alfaro’s men are tasked with blowing this competition wide open.
22 year old Strasbourg striker Julio Enciso scored Paraguay’s goal against Germany while former Newcastle United attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron is a livewire; but is the Albirroja’s defence which will do the heavy lifting against France. Captain Gustavo Gomez is a born leader, with a fierce competitive streak the ability to motivate his team-mates to play the same way: “The feeling is hard to explain,” he said in the aftermath of the Germany match. “I’m very proud of my team-mates, of the group. I’m most impressed by our unity. We have incredible strength to face any situation.”
Now that unity is about to be tested to the full.
History
France are seeking a third World Cup title in their 17th appearance at the finals, winning in 1998 and again in 2018, whiling losing the 2022 final to Argentina. Meanwhile Paraguay are at their ninth World Cup finals, reaching the quarter finals in 2010. La Albirroja is two steps away from matching that achievement; France and then either Canada or Morocco stand in their way!
These two teams have met five times previously, France winning twice and there have been two draws and when they last met, in a 2017 friendly, Les Bleus ran out 5-0 winners.
In terms of recent form Paraguay have won two, drawn two and lost one of the last five, while Les Bleus have won all five and are about to make it six from six.
Betting Tip
France are at odds of 1.20 to win this clash with Paraguay way out at 13.00, with the draw at 6.50. I’m going to pick a score-line for this match. La Albirroja are a tough nut to crack, and France are priced at 6.80 to win 1-0, while a 2-0 victory is the most likely outcome priced at 5.30.
Once Les Bleus break the deadlock, an assumption but I believe a safe one, they have proved they will not stop and I can see them racking up another three.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
