Mbappé penalty breaks Paraguay resistance as France reach World Cup quarter-finals
Kylian Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty after a VAR review to give France a 1-0 victory over a stubborn Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia.
Defensive wall frustrates France
Paraguay set up in a deep defensive block from the opening whistle, closing spaces and limiting France to long-range efforts despite the French holding over 65% possession in the first half. The South Americans used physical fouls, especially on Mbappé, to disrupt the rhythm of Didier Deschamps' side. The first real chance came in the 22nd minute when Koné's deflected shot drifted just wide of Gil's right post. Rabiot fired over from distance in the 33rd minute, and Koundé's close-range effort was easily gathered by Gil. Dembélé also saw a shot blocked for a corner as the half ended goalless.
Doué's impact and the penalty
Deschamps introduced Désiré Doué in the 61st minute, replacing Barcola. The substitute immediately injected pace and directness. In the 67th minute, Doué dribbled into the box and was brought down by Gómez. Referee Tantasev initially let play continue but was called to the monitor by VAR and awarded a penalty. Mbappé stepped up and sent Gil the wrong way in the 70th minute, breaking the deadlock. The goal was his 19th in World Cup finals, leaving him one behind Lionel Messi's tally.
Mbappé's record night
Mbappé's strike was his seventh of the 2026 tournament, tying him with Messi at the top of the scoring charts. After the goal, he exchanged ironic smiles with Paraguayan defenders who had targeted him throughout the match. France managed the lead comfortably, with Paraguay offering little attacking threat until a late Mauricio shot was saved by Maignan. Mbappé missed a double chance in stoppage time, but the result was secure.
- Koné's deflected shot goes just wide of the right post.
- Rabiot fires over from distance.
- Koundé's close-range effort is saved by Gil.
- Dembélé's shot is blocked for a corner.
- Mbappé's breakaway is blocked by Cáceres at the last moment.
- Koné's powerful shot is tipped over by Gil.
- Doué replaces Barcola.
- Doué fouled by Gómez; VAR review awards penalty.
- Mbappé converts penalty to make it 1-0.
- Mauricio's shot saved by Maignan.
- Mbappé misses a double chance, saved by Gil.
Quarter-final against Morocco
France advanced to the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive World Cup. They will face Morocco on 9 July at 23:00 local time in Boston, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final which France won 2-0. The match was played in front of 68,000 spectators at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with ground temperatures reaching 50°C.
