France will be looking to avoid becoming the latest heavyweight to fall at the hands of Paraguay when the two nations meet in Philadelphia for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. While Les Bleus remain among the favourites to lift the trophy, Paraguay arrive full of confidence after producing one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.

Gustavo Alfaro’s side stunned Germany in the Round of 16, becoming the first nation to defeat the four-time world champions in a World Cup penalty shoot-out after battling to a 1-1 draw before prevailing from the spot. The victory moved Paraguay to within one win of equalling their best-ever World Cup performance, having previously reached the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

That achievement seemed unlikely after La Albirroja suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat in their opening match of the tournament. However, they have responded impressively, going unbeaten in their last three games with two wins and a draw while conceding just once during that run.

Paraguay’s defensive resilience will once again be crucial, particularly against one of the tournament’s most prolific attacking sides. Their biggest concern remains at the other end of the pitch, having scored only once across six World Cup knockout matches in their history.

France, by contrast, continue to look every bit the championship contenders. Their comfortable 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 16 extended an outstanding run of five consecutive matches in which they have scored at least three goals.

Didier Deschamps’ side have developed a formidable reputation in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Les Bleus are unbeaten in their last seven Round of 16 matches and have lost only two of their previous 23 World Cup fixtures, winning 18 and drawing three. After lifting the trophy in Russia in 2018 and finishing runners-up in Qatar four years later, France remain firmly on course to become only the third nation in history to reach three successive World Cup finals.

The head-to-head record also favours the French. They are unbeaten in five previous meetings with Paraguay, winning three and drawing two. Those victories include a memorable 7-3 success at the 1958 World Cup and a narrow 1-0 extra-time win in the Round of 16 during their triumphant 1998 campaign.

Paraguay’s recent matches have often been low-scoring affairs, with the South Americans finding the net more than once in only one of their last seven internationals. Defensively they have started strongly, however, keeping a first-half clean sheet in seven of their previous eight matches.

France have been fast starters themselves, leading at half-time in eight of their last nine fixtures, while their discipline has been exemplary, collecting just a single yellow card across their last six matches.

Matías Galarza has emerged as one of Paraguay’s key performers at this tournament, contributing a goal and an assist across his last two appearances. He has also been booked in both matches, highlighting his combative style in midfield.

For France, Kylian Mbappé continues to dominate on the biggest stage. The captain has registered an astonishing 11 goal contributions in his last five World Cup appearances, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. Five of his six goals at this tournament have come after the 40th minute, underlining his ability to decide matches as they progress.

Paraguay have an injury concern over Julio Enciso after he picked up a knock in the previous round, while France will be without forward Marcus Thuram.

Although Paraguay have already shown they are capable of upsetting one of the tournament’s traditional powers, overcoming France represents an even greater challenge. With their wealth of attacking talent, vast knockout experience and exceptional recent form, Les Bleus look well equipped to end Paraguay’s inspiring run and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Prediction: France to win.

Betting tip: Kylian Mbappé to score two or more goals.