Paraguay vs France: World Cup 2026 stats you need to know
Paraguay meet France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium on 4 July (22:00 BST), and the france paraguay head-to-head record favours Les Bleus: five meetings, three French wins, two draws, zero Paraguay victories. France have scored 13 goals at this tournament; Paraguay have three.
The Albirroja arrive as giant-killers after eliminating Germany on penalties, but BBC Sport data shows a steep climb against a French side that has won its last five internationals. For more offbeat tournament twists, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man section.
Key Takeaways
- France are unbeaten against Paraguay across five senior meetings, with their rivalry dating back to 8 June 1958.
- At World Cup 2026, France have 13 goals, 60 shots and 87.96% passing accuracy; Paraguay have three goals from 20 shots.
- Julio Enciso and Diego Gomez, both Libertad academy graduates, are expected to feature for Paraguay.
- TNT Sports tips a 3-0 France win to nil, citing Les Bleus scoring at least three goals in each of their last five games.
- The most recent meeting was a 5-0 France friendly victory in June 2017.
What does the france paraguay head-to-head record show?
According to BBC Sport, Paraguay and France have played five times. France have won three and drawn two; Paraguay have never beaten Les Bleus.
The BBC lists three recent friendlies: France 5-0 Paraguay on 2 June 2017, France 1-1 Paraguay on 1 June 2014, and a 0-0 draw on 31 May 2008. Saturday is the first reunion since that 2017 rout.
How do the teams compare at World Cup 2026?
BBC tournament stats underline the gap. France have scored 13 goals and conceded two, with 60 shots and 34 on target. Paraguay have three goals, five conceded, 20 shots and eight on target.
France passing accuracy stands at 87.96%, compared with 69.44% for Paraguay. Recent form on the BBC form guide shows France beating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, while Paraguay drew 1-1 with Germany before winning the shootout.
Can Libertad academy stars spring a shock?
The Argus reports that Julio Enciso, who scored with a header against Germany, is likely to start. Diego Gomez is expected to return in midfield after a one-match ban.
Both came through Libertad in Asuncion. Scout Roberto Paredes and academy head Marcelo Ataide identified Enciso in rural Caaguazu and Gomez in Misiones. Reporter Fede Perez told The Argus that former president Horacio Cartes revolutionised Libertad scouting from 2001, giving the club youth facilities rivals lacked.
What do betting experts predict?
TNT Sports makes France overwhelming favourites in Philadelphia. Gustavo Alfaro's side showed they can trouble elite opposition by beating Germany on penalties, but analysts note Paraguay have managed just seven goals across their last five matches.
TNT tips France to win 3-0 and keep a clean sheet, pointing to France conceding no more than one goal in any of their last five outings. Michael Olise, with five tournament assists, is highlighted as an anytime scorer option alongside Kylian Mbappe.