World Cup 2026 odds: Paraguay vs. France Round of 16 prediction, betting picks
France look to continue their march toward a third World Cup title on Saturday against Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium. The South American side produced one of the biggest upsets of the knockout stage, taking down Germany in penalty kicks after the two sides finished 120 minutes of play knotted 1-1. On the flip side, Les Bleus are the frontrunners to win it all. They’ve secured four wins from four and most recently dispatched Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Didier Deschamps’ side has an elite mix of defensive power and relentless attack led by the trio of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Kylian Mbappé. After an opening 4-1 loss to the USA, Paraguay have turned things around and embraced the underdog role. Their defensive organization, disciplined midfield and timely finishing have made them a tough team to beat. Another upset would rank among the biggest surprises of the 2026 World Cup, but France enter this matchup as one of the heaviest favorites of the Round of 16 (-2000 to advance).
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
Paraguay vs. France World Cup TV how to watch & match info
- Time: Saturday, July 4 at 5 PM ET
- Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- TV Channel: TSN
- Weather: 32.2°C – Mostly sunny, hot and humid
Paraguay vs. France betting odds
France are -575 favourites on the World Cup odds board to win in 90 minutes, the draw is priced at +600 and Paraguay are +1800 underdogs. To qualify for the quarterfinals, France are -2000 favourites compared to Paraguay’s +1100 underdog price. The total is set at 2.5 goals, but the over carries -160 odds, while the under sits at +130.
Paraguay vs. France predicted starting XI lineups
Paraguay Predicted Starting XI: 4-4-2
Gill
Caceres | G. Gomez | Canale | Alonso
Almirón | Bobadilla | Cubas | Galarza
Enciso | Avalos
France Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Maignan
Koundé | Upamecano | Saliba | Digne
Tchouaméni | Rabiot
Dembélé | Olise | Barcola
Mbappé
Paraguay FIFA World Cup odds and news
Few expected Paraguay to survive the group stage, let alone reach the Round of 16. Gustavo Alfaro’s squad has built its success on frustrating opponents with a compact defensive shape before capitalizing on limited scoring opportunities. That formula paid off against Germany. Goalkeeper Gatito Fernández delivered several crucial saves, while the back four remained composed throughout 120 exhausting minutes.
Miguel Almirón continues to provide the creativity going forward, using his pace to launch dangerous counterattacks. Julio Enciso has also contributed, scoring the lone goal against Germany. The challenge now becomes significantly more difficult, as France boast arguably the deepest squad remaining in the tournament. If the South Americans are to pull off another upset, they’ll need another near-perfect defensive display while making the most of every counterattacking opportunity.
France FIFA World Cup odds and news
France have looked every bit like a World Cup favourite. Les Bleus cruised through the group stage before dismantling Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, extending their perfect record in the tournament to four victories. Kylian Mbappé has once again stolen the spotlight. The Real Madrid superstar has already scored six goals in four matches. However, France’s supporting cast has been equally impressive.
Ousmane Dembélé continues to stretch defences from the wing and has four goals himself, while Michael Olise is the engine of their attack. At the back, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano have helped France concede just two goals. Deschamps also enjoys tremendous depth. Whether it’s Desire Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, or Rayan Cherki entering off the bench, France possesses enough attacking talent to maintain pressure throughout the full 90 minutes.
Paraguay vs. France player odds and props
- Kylian Mbappé (FRA) to Score First (+230): France’s main man has been the first goalscorer in three of their four matches and assisted Dembélé in the lone game he didn’t score first.
- Orlando Gill (PAR) Over 4.5 Saves (+105): The Paraguayan goalkeeper will be tested from the get-go and has 5+ saves in three of Paraguay’s four matches.
World Cup 2026 bracket and futures
France carry +185 odds to win the World Cup, the shortest odds available, while Paraguay are enormous +20000 longshots. The winner of this match will take on the winner of the Canada vs. Morocco match.
Paraguay vs. France score prediction
Paraguay have already authored one of the stories of the tournament, but their remarkable run is likely to end here. France have too much firepower and too many game-changing players for the South Americans to contain over the course of a full match. Each of France’s four victories at the World Cup has featured at least three goals. Expect Paraguay to defend bravely during the opening half before France’s quality eventually takes over, with Mbappé once again playing a decisive role.