Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Scores & Results

Paraguay uses physical play in defeat to France in World Cup match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 1:26 AM

Last updated Jul 5, 2026

Paraguay uses physical play in defeat to France in World Cup match

Summary

In the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia, Paraguay adopted a physical playing style during their 1-0 loss to France. Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal from a penalty kick in the 70th minute, amid multiple confrontations between players. Paraguay's tactics were controversial, as they included numerous fouls on Mbappé that led to heated exchanges on the field. The match concluded with tempers flaring, highlighted by players from both teams gathering near the center circle after the final whistle.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Paraguay lost 1-0 to France in Philadelphia during the World Cup.
•Kylian Mbappé scored from a penalty kick in the 70th minute.
•Paraguay employed a physical approach, targeting Mbappé throughout the match.
•Three yellow cards were issued to France, none to Paraguay during the match.
•Post-match tensions included a confrontation between players.

Latest Updates

1:26 AMYahoo Sports — Paraguay gets physical in a heated World Cup loss to France in steamy Philadelphia

What they're saying

"
In the last 2026 World Cup match in Philadelphia, Paraguay played a style that has been seen many times before at the city’s football stadium. La Albirroja's physical approach in their 1-0 loss to France in the Round of 16 looked more like what might be seen on a Sunday in the fall from the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, who play their home games at Lincoln Financial Field. Eagles coach Nick Siranni might have liked what he saw.
— Yahoo Sportsby AARON BRACY

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