World Cup – Mbappe scores penalty, France defeats Paraguay 1-0

In the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup , France , playing at Lincoln Financial Stadium, defeated Paraguay 1-0 after Kylian Mbappé scored a penalty in the second half .

Seven minutes into the match, Dembele took a corner kick, but the threat was cleared by an opposing player. In the 11th minute, Paraguayan striker Enciso received the ball and attempted a breakthrough, but failed to create a shooting opportunity. In the 16th minute, France attempted an attack, with Digne sending in a cross, but the ball was caught by Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil.

In the 19th minute, Barcora fouled José Cáceres while vying for possession and was shown a yellow card by the referee. In the 22nd minute, Dembélé passed the ball to Manu Koné, who took a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but it was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 28th minute, Paraguay attempted a counter-attack. Junior Alonso received a pass from Andrés Cubas and took a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal. In the 33rd minute, Dembele passed the ball diagonally, and Rabiot received it outside the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 38th minute, Mbappe played a through ball to Dembele, who broke into the penalty area and curled a shot, but the ball went wide of the post. Shortly after, Mbappe was struck in the chest by an opposing player while dribbling, but the referee did not react. In the 43rd minute, Manu Koné received a pass from Upamecano and fired a long-range shot, but the ball went over the post.

In the 49th minute of the second half, France created an attacking opportunity. Rabiot, outside the penalty area, received a diagonal pass from Manu Koné and fired a long-range shot, but the ball went wide. In the 52nd minute, Mbappé took a corner kick, and Dembele's shot hit the side netting.

In the 61st minute, France substituted Dué for Barcola. In the 64th minute, Dué passed the ball to Mbappé, who took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 66th minute, Due was brought down by Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gómez while attempting a breakthrough. After VAR intervention, the referee awarded France a penalty. Mbappé then converted the penalty, giving France a 1-0 lead.

In the 74th minute, Mbappe collided with José Cáceres while vying for possession. Cáceres then deliberately kicked Mbappe's foot, but the referee did not award a penalty. In the 87th minute, Paraguay created an attacking opportunity. Magalhães Prado passed the ball to Junior Alonso, whose long-range shot went wide.

In the 90th minute, Matias Galarza headed the ball across, and Magalhães Prado took a long-range shot, but it went wide. In stoppage time of the second half, Due passed the ball back, and Mbappe received the ball and shot, but it was blocked by Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Mbappe then took a follow-up shot, but the ball was caught by Orlando Gil.

France ultimately defeated Paraguay 1-0, advancing to the quarterfinals.

Image source: Internet