Kylian Mbappe is fouled on the edge of the box by Paraguay. Michael Olise delivers the cross towards the far post, it is shuffled across goal but Ousmane Dembele is unable to shoot as Paraguay clear early. Jules Kounde takes a shot from the resulting corner, but it's straight at Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

36' FRA 0-0 PAR

Chance for France! Rabiot evades the Paraguayan midfield press, gets into some space and launches a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box. But it goes over the bar! Nonetheless, that is France's best opportunity of the game.

33' FRA 0-0 PAR

Nice combination play between Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele on the France right wing, and then Dembele fires in a low cross into the box. The cross ended up taking a deflection of a Paraguayan defender, and went beyond Mbappe in the box. 

29' FRA 0-0 PAR

France finally register their first shot of the match, and it has taken more than 20 minutes. Midfielder Manu Kone shoots with his left foot from outside the box, but it takes a big deflection and goes well wide of Paraguay's goal. Time for the first hydration break; job well done by Paraguay.

23' FRA 0-0 PAR

Paraguay's tactic is clear: defend deep in the 5-4-1 formation, and then look to hit France on the counter-attack whenever possible. Paraguay's solid defensive structure has forced France to adopt a more patient approach. Michael Olise has entered the box a couple of times, but no major chances yet. As I write that, Manu Kone looks to find Kylian Mbappe with an over-the-top long pass, but it's just beyond the France captain.

Paraguay's defensive tactic might force France to attack more with aerial balls and crosses.

17' FRA 0-0 PAR

France are being incredibly patient in their build-up, as they try to break down Paraguay's 5-4-1 structure. They've enjoyed more than 90% possession in the first 10 minutes of the match, but no huge chance created just yet. 

10' FRA 0-0 PAR

WE ARE LIVE! The Round of 16 clash between France and Paraguay has kicked off in Philadelphia. France in all blue, Paraguay in their classic red and white stripes. France are attacking from right to left in the first half. Here we go!

1' FRA 0-0 PAR

The national anthems of Paraguay and France are being sung at the Philadelphia Stadium. First Paraguay and then France. Kick off shortly!

The players have lined up in the tunnel, and are about to enter the Philadelphia Stadium, amid scorching weather conditions. Kylian Mbappe captains France's brilliant side, Gustavo Gomez leads Paraguay's resolute group. Who will win? The match is set to begin in a few minutes.

Paraguay delivered one of the most shocking results of FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 32 stage, as they dumped out four-time winners Germany, winning on penalties. Despite France's attacking talents, Paraguay's five-man defence and goalkeeper Orlando Gill will be tough customers to break down.

With temperatures set to rise over 40 degrees Celsius, the France-Paraguay clash in Philadelphia is reportedly set to be the hottest game in FIFA World Cup history. A viral image ahead of the game shows that the temperature measured on the stadium seats is nearly 70 degrees Celsius!

: The temperature of the seats in the stadium where France will face Paraguay is 70 degrees Celsius.

- @SaberDesfa pic.twitter.com/8k84VIzc76

— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) July 4, 2026

We are around half an hour away from kick off at Philadelphia Stadium. France face Paraguay in a highly-anticipated Round of 16 clash at FIFA World Cup 2026. France enter as favourites, but Paraguay pulled off one of the upsets of the tournament in the previous round as they beat four-time champions Germany. We will be bringing you all the live updates right here on NDTV Sports. Stay tuned!

France sensation Michael Olise has a chance to make history today. Olise has five assists so far in the tournament. If he registers two more assists today, he will become the player with the most assists in a single edition of a FIFA World Cup, overtaking none other than Brazilian icon Pele, who holds the record with six assists.

The winner of the France-Paraguay match will take on Morocco in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup. Morocco defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 earlier today, led by two goals from midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.

According to reports, France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni suffered a minor injury in the lead-up to their Round of 16 match against Paraguay. He is reportedly going to be out for four days, during which he will be under medical supervision. 

Kylian Mbappe is chasing Lionel Messi in not just the Golden Boot race for FIFA World Cup 2026, but also in the all-time World Cup goals tally. Mbappe needs two goals to surpass Messi in the Golden Boot charts, and three to cross him in the all-time list. 

Paraguay XI vs France: Here's the Paraguay starting XI to take on France. Paraguay will be defensively well set up once again, with a five-man backline. Centre-back Omar Alderete, who plays for Sunderland in the Premier League, is back in the team after suspension. He will partner captain Gustavo Gomez in defence. The creative responsibilities lie on Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso.

Ellos saldran a defender estos colores desde el arranque!


#FIFAWorldCup - Octavos de Final
18:00 h
Philadelphia Stadium
@SomosGEN | @trecepy | @Unicanal | @somospopupy#VamosParaguay pic.twitter.com/xXhc83xgIZ

— Seleccion Paraguaya (@Albirroja) July 4, 2026

France XI vs Paraguay: Here's the France starting XI to take on Paraguay. The biggest change comes in midfield, where Real Madrid defensive-midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been dropped for Roma's Manu Kone. Bradley Barcola starts over Desire Doue on the left wing. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise all start.

Tous derriere vous les gars

Coup d'envoi de notre 8e de finale 23h sur M6 et beIN SPORTS 1 #PARFRA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DWpYVvAe9M

— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) July 4, 2026

The Round of 16 match between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia is set to be played in excess heat, with temperatures expected to cross 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). To make matters worse, there is also the threat of thunderstorms. However, as it stands, the match will not be postponed, and it will begin as per schedule.

Hello and welcome to NDTV Sports for the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between France and Paraguay. We are at the Philadelphia Stadium today, but there are concerns over the weather at the venue. Stay tuned for all the live updates from the match.