Mbappé-led France faces Paraguay’s defensive wall in World Cup last 16

French attacking brilliance

Kylian Mbappé has been unstoppable, netting six goals in four matches, while Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé has added four for a France side that swept its group with three wins and dismantled Sweden 3-0 in the last 16. Michael Olise, the Bayern Munich playmaker, has been the creative hub, producing chances and dictating tempo from midfield. Bradley Barcola, scorer against Sweden, looks set to retain his left-wing spot in a front four that has made France the tournament’s most feared attack.

Paraguay’s resilient defence

Paraguay caused the first real stir of the knockout stage by eliminating Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw. They defend deep, absorb pressure, and are prepared to deliver physical battles in every challenge. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro described France as a storm where almost every lightning bolt hits the ground, adding that his players must find a way to shelter from it.

I’m a country boy and every time a storm with lightning came, I knew I had to take shelter. But not under a tree, because the lightning could strike there. France is a storm and almost all the lightning strikes the ground. Our task is to protect ourselves from that storm.

Lineup continuity and Koundé’s resurgence

Didier Deschamps is expected to field the same starting eleven that beat Sweden. Lucas Digne will once again get the nod over Théo Hernandez at left-back, while Jules Koundé continues on the right despite early tournament criticism. Koundé, who has been managing fitness issues after a heavy workload at Barcelona, says he feels the manager’s confidence and is unfazed by outside noise. Barcola, who has emerged as the fourth man in attack, admitted the Philadelphia heat would be an extra burden but noted the team is accustomed to breaking down low blocks.

I think it will tire us out a bit more, that’s certain. But we’re getting used to it. We hydrate a lot to be ready. It will be a bit annoying but nothing more than that.

Heat and historical echoes

The match, kicking off at 23:00 CEST (17:00 local) under an expected heatwave in Philadelphia, recalls France’s 1998 round-of-16 tie against the same opponent, which was only settled by a Laurent Blanc golden goal. Deschamps, the captain that day, has not dwelled on memories with his squad but knows Paraguay will make the contest tight and physical. The FIFA technical study group has been analysing how top sides break down such stubborn defences, and France’s combination of speed, individual brilliance and set-piece threat will be tested again.