France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16, courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 70th minute. French fans erupted in celebration after the win, while in Asunción, Paraguayan supporters watched their team’s spirited campaign come to an end with pride. Paraguay, who had stunned Germany on penalties to reach this stage, put up a physical fight in Philadelphia, but Mbappe’s spot-kick — awarded after a VAR review for a foul on Désiré Doué — proved decisive. The goal drew Mbappe level with Lionel Messi on seven goals at the 2026 tournament, setting up a quarter-final clash against Morocco.
