Mbappe's penalty goal takes France into the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals

JAKARTA - Kylian Mbappe became the hero of France's victory when he eliminated Paraguay with a score of 1-0 in the 16th round of the 2026 World Cup at the Philadelphia Stadium, United States on Sunday, July 5.

The Les Bleus captain scored the only goal of the match through a penalty in the second half.

This victory sent France to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Les Bleus will next face Morocco, who first secured the last eight ticket after defeating Canada 3-0.

France immediately took the initiative of the attack from the start of the match. However, the tight Paraguay defense made Didier Deschamps' team find it difficult to create clean opportunities throughout the first half.

Several of France's chances came from dead-ball situations. Jules Kounde had a shot after taking advantage of a corner, but the ball still went straight into the arms of Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

The efforts of Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot through long-range shots were also unable to break the deadlock. The score remained 0-0 until halftime.

Entering the second half, France again increased the intensity of the attack. Mbappe's opportunity through a quick attack scheme was thwarted by Juan Jose Caceres before the Real Madrid striker fired.

Les Bleus finally got a penalty in the 70th minute. The referee pointed to the white spot after reviewing the VAR footage and declared that the Paraguayan midfielder, Diego Gomez, committed a foul against Desire Doue in the penalty box.

Mbappe, who was trusted as the executor, carried out his duties perfectly. He fooled Orlando Gill with a shot to the left corner of the goal to give France a 1-0 lead.

After breaking the deadlock, France continued to press. Mbappe again threatened with his individual action, but his shot was still able to be deflected by Gill.

Paraguay almost equalized after Dayot Upamecano made a mistake on the back line. Mauricio took advantage of the situation by firing a shot, which was still saved by goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

In injury time, Mbappe almost doubled France's lead. His shot was successfully deflected by Gill, who then made another save when he cleared the ball.

The 1-0 score remained until the final whistle.

The line-up

Paraguay (5-4-1): Gill, Alderete (Canale 58'), Gustavo Gomez, Velazquez, Alonso, Caceres, Almiron (Avalos 71'), Galarza, Cubas, Diego Gomez (Mauricio 71'), Enciso (Caballero 61')

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan, Digne, Saliba, Upamecano, Kounde, Rabiot, Kone, Barcola (Doue 61'), Olise, Dembele (Cherki 84'), Mbappe