France Adjusts Lineup for World Cup Clash with Paraguay Due to Injury

The French national team has announced a key change to its starting lineup for the crucial Round of 16 match in the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay. The game is scheduled to take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA.

Coach Didier Deschamps has opted to bring Manu Kone into the starting eleven, with Kone set to fill the midfield role vacated by Aurelien Tchouameni, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury. According to French sports daily L'Equipe, Tchouameni's absence necessitates this adjustment in the midfield, where Kone will partner Adrien Rabiot in a defensive midfield pairing behind France's attacking four.

Kylian Mbappe will captain the French side and lead the attack, supported by a creative trio of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola. Deschamps is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system he has favored to break down opposing defenses.

Paraguay, conversely, is anticipated to adopt a defensive 5-4-1 formation. Julio Enciso is expected to spearhead their attack as the lone striker, with captain Gustavo Gomez anchoring the defense alongside Omar Alderete and Junior Alonso. The winner of this encounter will advance to the quarterfinals to face Morocco, who secured their spot by defeating Canada 3-0.

The match is scheduled for early Sunday morning, 04:00 WIB.