Paraguay hope they have another 2026 FIFA World Cup upset in them with Didier Deschamps’ French juggernaut coming their way in the last-16 stage. After eliminating Germany on penalties, the Albirroja have set up a collision course with the team billed as the favourite to win the tournament. France face Paraguay in the World Cup for the first time since the last-16 of the 1998 edition, when Les Bleus went the distance to win courtesy of Laurent Blanc’s 114th-minute golden goal.

Paraguay are not expected to change their approach against France with national team manager Gustavo Alfaro set to field a flat 4-4-2 to contain Les Bleus’ firepower. Strasbourg’s Julio Enciso – who headed in the opener against Germany – will lead the line alongside Independiente’s Gabriel Avalos. Former Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron is poised to start on Paraguay’s right wing.

Paraguay likely line-up v France

Daniel Gill; Junior Alonso, José Canale, Gustavo Gomez, Juan José Caceres; Matias Galarza, Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez, Miguel Almiron; Gabriel Avalos, Julio Enciso. (L’Éq)