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The 2026 World Cupround of 16 will feature a major David vs. Goliath matchup.
It will be France and Paraguay in an unexpected duel July 4, with the French on a mission to avenge its runner-up finish in 2022 and Paraguay out to continue its remarkable run in the knockout round. The first participant was confirmed when Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest stunners of the tournament, defeating Germany in a penalty shootout to eliminate a title favorite. France then clinched its spot, continuing its dominant run so far with a comfortable victory over Sweden.
A match not many people expected to see, could another upset be in store?
This will be one of the biggest mismatches you can get in the knockout round.
France entered the World Cup the No. 3 team in the pre-tournament FIFA rankings, while Paraguay was 41st. The 38 rank difference will likely be the largest in the next round. Paraguay's win over Germany was a place difference of 31, the fourth largest upset to happen in the knockout round.
If Paraguay is able to beat France, it would be the second biggest upset in World Cup knockout round history, according to FIFA rankings.
Paraguay will also be the first third place team to play in the round of 16 after it finished third in Group D. After it gave up four goals in its opening match loss to the United States, it has given up just one goal since.
France has looked the part of a championship caliber team, cruising through all four matches in the tournament. It has scored the most goals of the tournament so far with 13, with at least three scores in every game. Kylian Mbappe is also tied with Lionel Messi for the most goals scored by a player in the tournament with six, trying to become the first one to win the golden boot twice.
Paraguay will be tasked with trying to win its first ever match against France. They have faced each other five times, with the French owning three wins and two draws.
This will be their third World Cup meeting. France won 7-3 in the 1958 World Cup group stage, and then beat Paraguay 1-0 in the 1998 World Cup round of 16.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: France vs. Paraguay in World Cup round of 16: Time, date, what to know
Continue reading...
It will be France and Paraguay in an unexpected duel July 4, with the French on a mission to avenge its runner-up finish in 2022 and Paraguay out to continue its remarkable run in the knockout round. The first participant was confirmed when Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest stunners of the tournament, defeating Germany in a penalty shootout to eliminate a title favorite. France then clinched its spot, continuing its dominant run so far with a comfortable victory over Sweden.
A match not many people expected to see, could another upset be in store?
When is France vs. Paraguay round of 16?
- Date: Saturday, July 4
- Time: 5 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
France vs. Paraguay preview
This will be one of the biggest mismatches you can get in the knockout round.
France entered the World Cup the No. 3 team in the pre-tournament FIFA rankings, while Paraguay was 41st. The 38 rank difference will likely be the largest in the next round. Paraguay's win over Germany was a place difference of 31, the fourth largest upset to happen in the knockout round.
If Paraguay is able to beat France, it would be the second biggest upset in World Cup knockout round history, according to FIFA rankings.
Paraguay will also be the first third place team to play in the round of 16 after it finished third in Group D. After it gave up four goals in its opening match loss to the United States, it has given up just one goal since.
France has looked the part of a championship caliber team, cruising through all four matches in the tournament. It has scored the most goals of the tournament so far with 13, with at least three scores in every game. Kylian Mbappe is also tied with Lionel Messi for the most goals scored by a player in the tournament with six, trying to become the first one to win the golden boot twice.
France vs. Paraguay World Cup history
Paraguay will be tasked with trying to win its first ever match against France. They have faced each other five times, with the French owning three wins and two draws.
This will be their third World Cup meeting. France won 7-3 in the 1958 World Cup group stage, and then beat Paraguay 1-0 in the 1998 World Cup round of 16.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: France vs. Paraguay in World Cup round of 16: Time, date, what to know
Continue reading...
