Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty as France defeated Paraguay 1–0 in a tight match played in extreme heat. The result sent France into the World Cup quarterfinals.
The only goal came in the 70th minute when Mbappe calmly converted from the penalty spot. The match was physical and closely contested, with Paraguay defending strongly and making it difficult for France to create chances. France struggled for most of the game until a key moment involving substitute Desire Doue.
Doue entered in the second half and made a strong run down the left side, beating several defenders before being fouled inside the penalty area by Diego Gomez. At first, the referee allowed play to continue, but after a VAR review, the penalty was awarded.
🇫🇷 France have qualified for the Quarter-finals!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2026
Mbappe then stepped up and converted confidently, deciding the match. The game was played in very hot conditions, around 38°C (100°F), in Philadelphia during the July 4 holiday period in the United States.
After the win, Kylian Mbappe said France expected a difficult, physical match but were ready to fight for the result and adapt their style when needed.
Paraguay had earlier shocked four-time champion Germany in the Round of 16, but they could not repeat that upset against France.
France will now face Morocco in the quarterfinals in Foxborough, near Boston, in a rematch of their 2022 World Cup semifinal.
@fifaworldcup Quarter-finals bound. 🙌🇫🇷 #FIFAWorldCup ♬ Living In A Haze (Instrumental) – Milky Chance
