Kylian Mbappe's seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup proved the difference as France saw off a defiant Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the quarter finals for the fourth successive time.
Mbappe's 70th minute penalty, awarded after excellent work from substitute Desire Doue, was a timely breakthrough for the two-time world champions, who had struggled to break the Paraguayan resolve in searing Philadelphia heat.
The game threatened to boil over in the closing stages, with referee Ilgiz Tantashev failing to deal with a series of excessive challenges on French players, as both sets of players clashed on several occasions.
France will face Morocco in the quarter finals, setting up a rematch of their 2022 semi-final meeting.
Returning to Philadelphia, the scene of their 3-0 win over Iraq in the group stage, France settled into an early rhythm on the East Coast with Paraguay, buoyed by their victory over Germany, looking to frustrate them.
Mbappe's 70th minute penalty, awarded after excellent work from substitute Desire Doue, was a timely breakthrough for the two-time world champions, who had struggled to break the Paraguayan resolve in searing Philadelphia heat.
The game threatened to boil over in the closing stages, with referee Ilgiz Tantashev failing to deal with a series of excessive challenges on French players, as both sets of players clashed on several occasions.
France will face Morocco in the quarter finals, setting up a rematch of their 2022 semi-final meeting.
Returning to Philadelphia, the scene of their 3-0 win over Iraq in the group stage, France settled into an early rhythm on the East Coast with Paraguay, buoyed by their victory over Germany, looking to frustrate them.
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