The goal was Mbappé’s seventh of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot…reports Asian Lite News
Kylian Mbappé converted a second-half penalty as two-time champions France national football team edged past Paraguay national football team 1-0 to book a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, where they will face Morocco national football team.
Mbappé’s 69th-minute spot-kick settled a hard-fought Round of 16 contest after Paraguay frustrated France with a disciplined and physical defensive display for much of the match.
The goal was Mbappé’s seventh of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, while his superior assist tally keeps him ahead in the standings. It also marked his record-extending 11th goal in World Cup knockout matches, making him the first player to score in the Round of 16 in three successive World Cups.
France dominated possession from the outset but found it difficult to break down Paraguay’s well-organised defence. The South Americans, fresh from eliminating Germany in a penalty shootout in the previous round, limited Les Bleus to long-range efforts that failed to seriously test goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the opening half.
France looked more threatening after the break. Ousmane Dembélé fired into the side netting following a quickly taken corner, while Gill produced a full-length save to deny Manu Koné from distance as Didier Deschamps’ side increased the pressure.
The breakthrough eventually came after Désiré Doué was brought down inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and Mbappé calmly sent Gill the wrong way to seal France’s place in the last eight.
“We knew what kind of match to expect. It was important for us to experience a game like that and see how we handled it. We showed we’re not just a team capable of playing attacking football. Every team has its own strengths. The only thing that matters is winning. Now we have to focus on Morocco because we know they’re a very good team,” Mbappé said after the match.
France head coach Didier Deschamps praised his players for maintaining their composure against a physically imposing opponent.
“It wasn’t easy. Paraguay used every trick in the book. They’re a physical team and defend very well. We stayed focused, and that’s not always simple in matches like these. It’s another important step forward, and we’re delighted to be in the quarterfinals,” Deschamps said.
France, champions in 1998 and 2018 and runners-up in 2006 and 2022, will next face Morocco, who advanced after eliminating co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.
