Kylian Mbappe Clinically Converts Penalty To Take Les Bleus Into FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final
France vs Paraguay Match Gallery, FIFA World Cup 2026: France narrowly booked their place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals with a tense 1–0 win over a resilient Paraguay in Philadelphia. Despite dominating possession, Les Bleus found themselves frustrated by a disciplined, low-block defensive structure for most of the encounter. The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute when Désiré Doué drew a crucial foul, and captain Kylian Mbappé clinically converted the resulting penalty. The match ended in a flurry of drama, as Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced a stunning double-save to deny Mbappé a second goal. Paraguay pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but the French defense held firm to maintain their slim lead until the final whistle. France now shift focus to a high-profile quarter-final showdown against Morocco on July 9 in Boston. See the best photos from the PAR vs FRA football match here:
France's Kylian Mbappe, center, arrives for warm up before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Paraguay in Philadelphia Matt Rourke/AP Photo
A fan of France waits for the start of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Petr David Josek/AP Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe arrives at the stadium for the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Derik Hamilton/AP Photo
Soccer fans pose for a picture ahead of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Martin Meissner/AP Photo
Paraguay's Gustavo Velazquez refreshes himself during warmups before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Petr David Josek/AP Photo
A stadium worker keeps cool prior to a World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Matt Slocum/AP Photo
Fans of Paraguay hold a jersey showing France's Kylian Mbappe in a military outfit prior to the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Petr David Josek/AP Photo
Paraguay's Mauricio, center, goes for the ball during warmup before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia AP Photo/Derik Hamilton
Fans protect for the sun before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia AP Photo/Matt Rourke
France vs Paraguay Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Live: Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are both chasing the Golden Boot at this World Cup. Derik Hamilton/AP
France's Kylian Mbappe (10) looks on ahead of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France AP/Martin Meissner
Players of France and Paraguay argue during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Philadelphia, Saturday, July 4, 2026 AP/Matt Rourke
Paraguay's Gustavo Gomez yells at France's Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match AP/Derik Hamilton
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill makes a save during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match AP/Derik Hamilton
France's Kylian Mbappe (10) gestures during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match AP/Martin Meissner
France's Lucas Digne (3) plays a cross during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match AP/Petr David Josek
A scuffle starts among the players during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia, Derik Hamilton/AP Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe, left, argues with Paraguay's Andres Cubas during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Philadelphia Matt Rourke/AP Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe (10) tries a shot as Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill (12) dives for the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Martin Meissner/Ap Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe (10) wrings out a towel during a hydration break in the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia Matt Slocum/AP Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe (10) gestures during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphi Martin Meissner/AP Photo
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill makes a save during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against France in Philadelphia Matt Rourke/AP Photo
France's Desire Doue falls during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Paraguay in Philadelphia Petr David Josek/AP Photo
France's Desire Doue (20) shakes hands with France's Kylian Mbappe (10)during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphi Martin Meissner/AP Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe (10) scores from a penalty kick the opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia, Martin Meissner/AP Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe (10) scores his side's opening goal from the penalty spot during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Paraguay in Philadelphia Petr David Josek/Ap Photo
Fans react after France's Kylian Mbappe scored his side's opening goal against Paraguay during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Philadelphia Petr David Josek/AP Photo
France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot against Paraguay during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Philadelphia Matt Rourke/AP Photo
Fans watch the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and France in Asuncion, Paraguay Jorge Saenz/AP Photo
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