2026 WC: France overcome stubborn Paraguay to reach quarter-final
France overcame Paraguay to reach the quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty proved enough to help them past a resolute Paraguay. The penalty was awarded after a VAR intervention, following a foul on substitute Desire Doue by Brighton's Diego Gomez inside the box. Mbappe sent Orlando Gill the wrong way, drawing level with Lionel Messi on seven goals in the tournament's Golden Boot race.
The last-16 tie kicked off in extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 38C. France dominated possession but the Paraguay defence proved difficult to break down, resulting in a goalless first half with neither side registering a shot on target. France's first shot on target came in the 54th minute from Manu Kone's effort. Doue, a 21-year-old Paris St-Germain forward, replaced Bradley Barcola and was fouled four minutes after coming on. Paraguay had upset Germany on penalties in the last 32.
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World Cup favourites France faced a determined Paraguay in a tense last-16 match in Philadelphia. The challenging conditions and resolute defence
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