Paraguay vs. France projected lineups, starting 11 from World Cup Round of 16 game in Philadelphia

A place in the quarterfinals is on the line as Paraguay and France meet in Philadelphia in one of the standout ties of the 2026 World Cup Round of 16.

Paraguay booked its place in the last 16 after knocking out Germany on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw. Gustavo Alfaro's side has continued to frustrate elite opposition with its defensive organization and resilience under pressure.

France advanced with considerably less drama, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Sweden. Didier Deschamps' side has looked increasingly imposing as the tournament has progressed and enters the knockout clash among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Here are the latest team news updates and projected starting lineups for Paraguay and France ahead of their meeting at Lincoln Financial Field.

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Paraguay projected starting 11

(4-4-2, right to left): 12. O. Gill (GK) — 4. J. Cáceres, 15. G. Gómez, 13. J. Canale, 6. J. Alonso — 10. M. Almirón, 16. D. Bobadilla, 14. A. Cubas, 23. M. Galarza — 21. G. Ávalos, 19. J. Enciso

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On a yellow card: None

Gustavo Alfaro is expected to reward the side that eliminated Germany in the Round of 32, with Paraguay likely to name an unchanged starting XI against France. The South Americans have built their World Cup run on defensive organisation and resilience, qualities that will be tested again in Philadelphia.

Penalty shootout hero Orlando Gill will continue between the posts behind a settled back four of Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Juan Jose Canale and Junior Alonso. Paraguay frustrated one of the tournament favourites in Germany before prevailing on penalties, and Alfaro is unlikely to alter a defence that has grown in confidence.

Captain Andres Cubas is set to anchor the midfield alongside Diego Bobadilla, while Miguel Almiron and Matias Galarza are expected to provide energy and creativity from the wide areas. Paraguay will again rely on their disciplined shape before looking to break quickly on the counterattack.

Up front, Julio Enciso and Gabriel Avalos are expected to continue their partnership after leading the line in the Round of 32 victory. With a place in the quarterfinals at stake, Alfaro is expected to stick with the XI that produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

France projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 16. M. Maignan (GK) — 5. J. Kounde, 4. D. Upamecano, 17. W. Saliba, 3. L. Digne — 8. A. Tchouameni, 14. A. Rabiot — 7. O. Dembele, 11. M. Olise, 12. B. Barcola — 10. K. Mbappe

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On a yellow card: None

Didier Deschamps is expected to keep changes to a minimum after France comfortably dispatched Sweden with ease.

Mike Maignan should continue between the posts behind a settled back four of Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Lucas Digne. The quartet has provided France with a solid defensive foundation while allowing the full-backs to support attacks when opportunities arise.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are expected to retain their places in the double pivot, with Michael Olise operating as the central playmaker. Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele should continue on the wings, offering pace and creativity on either flank.

Kylian Mbappe has been in electric form and already has six goals for the tournament after brilliant braces against Senegal, Iraq and Sweden.

MORE: Who will win the World Cup in 2026?

Paraguay vs. France predictions, betting odds

Paraguay produced one of the shocks of the tournament by eliminating Germany, but France present an even greater challenge. Didier Deschamps' side has looked increasingly comfortable as the competition has progressed, with Kylian Mbappe leading one of the most dangerous attacks in the tournament.

Paraguay will make life difficult with their defensive organisation, but France possess too much quality across the pitch and should have enough to progress to the quarterfinals.

• Score prediction: Paraguay 1-3 France

Paraguay and France World Cup rosters

Here are the names on Paraguay's and France's World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Paraguay World Cup squad

Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro

France World Cup squad

Head coach: Didier Deschamps

Where to watch Paraguay vs. France

In USA:

• TV channel: FOX
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: