Paraguay has taken the 2026 World Cup by storm, proving to be the tournament's unexpected underdog. After suffering a 1-4 defeat in their opening match, few believed they could advance past the group stage. However, Paraguay defied the odds by securing a victory against Turkey and drawing with Australia, ultimately finishing third in Group D.

Under the guidance of coach Alfaro, Paraguay has developed a disciplined and resilient defensive strategy, often employing a 5-3-2 formation. This approach has allowed them to effectively counterattack, which is crucial in knockout rounds where the margin of victory does not matter as much as simply advancing. Their goalkeeper, Gill, is particularly adept at handling penalty shootouts, adding another layer of resilience to their game.

As they prepare for their next challenge against France, Paraguay faces a formidable opponent. The French team, known as "Les Bleus," has demonstrated their attacking prowess throughout the tournament, scoring an impressive 13 goals across four matches, with no game yielding fewer than three goals. Stars like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and emerging talents like Doue and Olise have made France a team to watch.

Coach Didier Deschamps has assembled one of the most potent attacking squads in recent years, with a combined market value of 550 million euros for key players. The fluidity and interchangeability of their attacking players create constant challenges for opposing defenses, which have struggled to contain their dynamic play.

The upcoming match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with France likely to dominate possession from the outset. The critical question will be how long Paraguay can withstand the relentless pressure from the French attack. A surprising early goal from Paraguay could shift the dynamics of the match, although the likelihood of this happening remains low.

Ultimately, the most favorable scenario for France would be to score within the first 20 minutes, which would likely lead to further goals as Paraguay's defense becomes more vulnerable. Predictions suggest a final score of Paraguay 1 - 3 France.

Projected lineups for the match include:

• Paraguay: Gill, Alonso, Canale, Gomez, Caceres, Galarza, Cubas, D. Gomez, Almiron, Enciso, Avalos
• France: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Olise, Doue, Mbappe