Mbappe penalty sends France past Paraguay into World Cup quarter-finals

France 1-0 Paraguay Kylian Mbappé kept France's FIFA World Cup title hopes alive by converting a second-half penalty to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay and send Les Bleus into the quarter-finals on Saturday. The France captain calmly dispatched the decisive spot-kick after a VAR review, finally breaking the resistance of a stubborn Paraguayan side that had frustrated the tournament favourites for 70 minutes. Didier Deschamps' men will now face Morocco in a blockbuster quarter-final after the Atlas Lions eased past co-hosts Canada 3-0 earlier in the day. France entered the match as overwhelming favourites after cruising through the group stage with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before dismantling Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32. Paraguay, however, arrived brimming with confidence after producing one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties. The South Americans again adopted a disciplined defensive approach, lining up with five defenders and four midfielders behind a lone striker, daring France to find a way through. Les Bleus monopolised possession from the opening whistle but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Paraguay's well-organised defence. Adrien Rabiot fired narrowly wide from distance midway through the first half before Manu Koné also tried his luck from outside the area, but neither effort seriously tested the Paraguayan goalkeeper. Despite dominating territory, France lacked the cutting edge that had characterised their earlier performances in the tournament. Paraguay, meanwhile, remained compact and disciplined, frustrating Mbappé and company while posing an occasional threat on the counterattack. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute. Substitute Désiré Doué burst into the penalty area and was brought down by Diego Gómez as he attempted to reach the ball. Referee Anthony Taylor initially allowed play to continue but pointed to the spot after being advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. Mbappé stepped up with trademark composure and fired the penalty beyond the goalkeeper to score his seventh goal of the tournament, moving ahead in the race for the Golden Boot. France nearly added a second goal in stoppage time when Mbappé raced clear, but his effort drifted narrowly wide as Paraguay continued to fight until the final whistle. Although it was far from their most fluent display, France once again demonstrated the patience and maturity expected of champions, finding a way past one of the tournament's most resilient defences. For Paraguay, the defeat brought an end to a memorable campaign that included a stunning victory over Germany and confirmed their return as a force capable of competing with the world's elite. France now turn their attention to Morocco in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final ties, with the Atlas Lions seeking revenge for their semi-final defeat to Les Bleus at the 2022 World Cup and another opportunity to make African football history.

World Cup 2026

Mbappe penalty sends France past Paraguay into World Cup quarter-finals