Paraguay vs France: Kickoff time and where to watch the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 game LIVE

France, widely considered a favorite to win the FIFA World Cup, enters its Round of 16 match against Paraguay on July 4 with a perfect tournament record. The French squad, led on the field by Kylian Mbappé, aims to maintain its winning streak and solidify its status as a championship favorite.

France secured its place in the knockout stage with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, a performance that highlighted their potent offense and current strong form. Their upcoming opponent, Paraguay, has advanced through the tournament by prioritizing defensive solidity and tactical discipline.

Paraguay arrives at this crucial juncture fueled by the confidence gained from a historic penalty shootout victory against Germany. This surprising win not only marked one of the tournament's major upsets but also bolstered the team's belief in their ability to challenge expectations. The two nations have a World Cup history, notably meeting in the 1998 Round of 16, where Laurent Blanc's golden goal secured a 1-0 win for host France against a Paraguayan side marshaled by legendary goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert.