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2026 FIFA World Cup™: France vs. Paraguay – Preview, How to Watch

By DIRECTV Insider Staff
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2026 FIFA World Cup™: France vs. Paraguay – Preview, How to Watch

France meets Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, PA on July 4, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.

  • Time: 5:00 PM ET
  • Location: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, PA
  • TV Channels: FOX, Telemundo

How to Watch France vs. Paraguay on July 4, 2026

You can watch Paraguay take on France live on DIRECTV on FOX and Telemundo on July 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

France vs. Paraguay — Round of 16 Match Preview

France and Paraguay meet in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, a knockout tie between the world’s top-ranked team and a side back among the elite after a long absence. France reached the last 16 with a perfect 3-0-0 record in Group I, a two-time World Cup winner ranked No. 1 in the world as of April 2026 and chasing another deep run in what Didier Deschamps has said will be his final tournament in charge. Paraguay advanced from the group stage with a 1-1-1 record and then the Round of 32, back at a World Cup for the first time since 2010, the year it reached the quarterfinals.

France’s attack has been overwhelming, led by Kylian Mbappé’s 6 goals across four matches and Ousmane Dembélé’s 4, with Michael Olise pulling the strings on 5 assists. Paraguay’s identity is the opposite, a disciplined and direct side under Gustavo Alfaro that ranked among CONMEBOL’s most physical in qualifying. Julio Enciso has been the creative hub, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists across four matches, with Matías Galarza chipping in from midfield. The contrast is stark, France’s firepower against Paraguay’s organization and counterpunching, and the sides last met in a 2017 friendly that France won 5-0. With a quarterfinal place on the line, France will look to strike early while Paraguay tries to turn the match into a war of attrition.

National TV

FOX, Telemundo

What Time is the Paraguay vs. France Match Today?

The France vs. Paraguay match starts at 5:00 PM ET.

Where Can I Watch France vs. Paraguay?

You can watch France vs. Paraguay on FOX and Telemundo.

Players to Watch: France vs. Paraguay

France

Kylian Mbappé — Forward. Mbappé has led France’s attack with 6 goals across four matches, dragging his side into the knockout rounds. His blend of pace and finishing stretches any defense, and Paraguay’s deep block will have to account for the space in behind. If France is to go all the way, it will rest on his shoulders more than anyone’s.

Michael Olise — Midfielder. Olise has been France’s chief creator, with 5 assists across four matches from a wide or central role. His vision and delivery turn France’s movement into clear chances, and he has built a productive understanding with the forwards ahead of him. Paraguay will have to close him down early to cut off the supply line.

Ousmane Dembélé — Forward. Dembélé has added 4 goals across four matches, giving France a second high-volume scorer alongside Mbappé. His direct dribbling and willingness to shoot from either flank make France’s attack impossible to double-team. Against a compact Paraguay defense, his ability to beat a man one-on-one could be the moment that unlocks the match.

Paraguay

Julio Enciso — Midfielder. Enciso has been Paraguay’s creative engine, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists across four matches from an advanced midfield role. In a game where chances may be scarce, his quality on the ball is Paraguay’s most likely source of a goal. France will need to stop him turning and running at its back line.

Matías Galarza — Midfielder. Galarza has chipped in 1 goal and 1 assist across three matches, giving Paraguay end product from central midfield. He does the less glamorous work too, breaking up play and springing counters. If Paraguay is to frustrate France, his two-way engine will be central to it.

Maurício — Midfielder. Maurício found the net once across three matches, another midfielder capable of arriving late to finish. His running from deep gives Paraguay a way to threaten without committing numbers forward. Against France’s high line, one well-timed run could produce the goal Paraguay needs.

Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup™ soccer Live on DIRECTV

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