France should handle this World Cup round of 16 tie without too much drama. They've powered through their group with wins of 4-1 against Norway, 3-0 over Iraq and 3-1 versus Senegal before brushing Sweden aside 3-0 on June 30. That kind of scoring form makes them heavy favorites at Lincoln Financial Field.
Paraguay have survived on scraps and one huge moment. They edged Türkiye 1-0, sat through a 0-0 with Australia then stunned Germany 1-1 on penalties in the last 32 on June 29. Their route has been narrow and they lean hard on Julio Enciso for those odd attacking sparks plus Orlando Gill's goalkeeping heroics.
Kylian Mbappé sits at the heart of France's threat and looks in the form of his life. Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise have also been firing alongside him. Paraguay simply don't have the same depth or recent firepower after that 1-4 group loss to the USA on June 12.
France won Group I outright while Paraguay scraped through to the knockout stage. All earlier meetings between these sides sit years in the past so this one starts fresh. The 5pm ET kickoff on July 4 gives France every chance to keep their momentum rolling.
Expect France to control the game and create the better openings. Paraguay will dig in but their recent results show they struggle to turn draws into wins against stronger sides. Mbappé and company should find enough space to settle it.
Recommended Bets
France win @1.55 — their group and R32 results show consistent dominance while Paraguay needed penalties to advance past Germany.
France over 2.5 team goals @2.10 — they've hit three or more in four of their last five matches including the 4-1 and 3-0 group wins.
Mbappé anytime goalscorer @1.75 — he's in top scoring form and France's attack has created plenty for him across the tournament run.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
