{"id":116829,"date":"2026-07-05T05:27:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T05:27:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/116829\/"},"modified":"2026-07-05T05:27:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T05:27:50","slug":"world-cup-2026-france-overcome-fractious-paraguay-canada-knocked-out-by-morocco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/116829\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup 2026: France overcome fractious Paraguay, Canada knocked out by Morocco"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 laughed and smiled \u2014 and scored, of course \u2014 when Paraguay tried to bait him and his French teammates into fouls and provoke fights, as hot heads became a recurring theme during one of the steamiest World Cup games on record.<\/p>\n

After the final whistle, Mbapp\u00e9 kept on walking and left Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill hanging as Gill extended his right hand in a show of sportsmanship.<\/p>\n

In response, Gill thew the ball right at the number 10 on Mbapp\u00e9’s jersey.<\/p>\n

Check out the full World Cup schedule here<\/a> in Australian timesABC Sport podcast: Check out the latest episode here<\/a><\/p>\n

Mbapp\u00e9 got the last laugh as he scored his 19th career World Cup goal, and France survived stifling heat to beat Paraguay 1-0, sending Les Bleus into the quarterfinals for the fourth straight time.<\/p>\n

“We knew what kind of match it was going to be,” Mbapp\u00e9 said in French.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“We can also get our hands dirty, we know how to do it. We know how to play ugly football. Guess they were thinking we were going to show up in tuxedos, but we were ready.”<\/p>\n

France advanced to play Morocco in Boston after the African team comfortable accounted for Canada 3-0<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"GettyImages-2284678442\"<\/p>\n

Paraguay keeper Orlando Gill puts his hand out towards French star Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 to congratulate him. Mbapp\u00e9 had been physically targetted throughout the game. (Getty Images: Dan Mullan)<\/p>\n

With an extreme heat warning in effect throughout the match as temperatures hovered around 38C, Mbapp\u00e9 finally broke through against a physical, defensive-minded Paraguay side when he converted a penalty kick in the 70th minute.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mbapp\u00e9 was awarded the penalty when Diego Gomez was called for tripping after a video review. Then he stutter-stepped on his way to his 19th goal in 19 World Cup appearances, one behind career record holder Lionel Messi of Argentina. Mbapp\u00e9 and Messi each have seven goals in this tournament to top the Golden Boot race.<\/p>\n

Mbapp\u00e9 won that award four years ago in Qatar, but Messi and Argentina beat France in the final.<\/p>\n

\"GettyImages-2284678453\"<\/p>\n

After the handshake was ignored, the goalkeeper tossed the ball into the French star’s back. (Getty Images: Dan Mullan)<\/p>\n

Mbapp\u00e9 \u2014 who frequently trash-talked the Paraguayans in Spanish \u2014 is now the only player to score at least three goals in the knockout stage of three World Cups.<\/p>\n

Mbapp\u00e9 botched a breakaway attempt in the second half, and Manu Kon\u00e9 had his top-corner shot knocked away by Gill after he was wiped out in the netting by Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 only moments earlier.<\/p>\n

Gill also stopped two strong attempts by Mbapp\u00e9 in second-half stoppage time.<\/p>\n

“Without that penalty, we would have taken it to extra time,” Gill said.<\/p>\n

For the criticism that hydration breaks have watered down the pace of play at the World Cup, they were never more needed for the players than in the midst of a miserable heat wave. Sprinklers showered the Kentucky bluegrass field during the breaks and at halftime.<\/p>\n

More than in any of the five other World Cup games played before 68,000-plus fans at Lincoln Financial Field, spectators fled for the concourse at halftime, seeking shade and refuge from the sun.<\/p>\n

Maybe they were looking for some action of any kind.<\/p>\n

Les Bleus scored 13 goals in the first five games of the tournament but were stymied in the first half by a Paraguay team trying to turn the match into a rock fight. Tempers flared when Andr\u00e9s Cubas took down Mbapp\u00e9 and the teams briefly pushed and shoved each other. Mat\u00edas Galarza also threw his right elbow into Mbapp\u00e9 and sent him crashing to the grass.<\/p>\n

Paraguay advanced by beating Germany in a penalty shootout, the biggest upset of this World Cup. But after a gritty effort by La Albirroja, it’s France that’s moving on.<\/p>\n

After defeating Croatia for the 2018 title, France lost to Argentina on penalty kicks in the 2022 final. Les Bleus are 5-0 in this year’s tournament, outscoring opponents 14-2.<\/p>\n

Re-live all the action in our blog below.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:32am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:32am<\/p>\n

Thanks for joining me this morning<\/p>\n

That’s all for the action for today.<\/p>\n

France and Morocco became the first two teams to make it to the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n

Two more big games tomorrow when Brazil takes on Norway and England faces Mexico.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:24am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:24am<\/p>\n

Paraguay players branded ‘an absolute disgrace’<\/p>\n

Former England player Joe Hart calls the Paraguay players “an absolute disgrace”.<\/p>\n

“The Paraguay players were an absolute disgrace tonight. If they were on my team, I’d be dragging half of them off the pitch,” he tells the BBC.<\/p>\n

“I would never want to win that way and I would never want to play football that way. The referee didn’t help in any circumstances. The fact that not one Paraguayan was booked inside the 90 minutes is astonishing.”<\/p>\n

It is pretty amazing that no Paraguay players were booked.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:12am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:12am<\/p>\n

Freed from desire\"Amanda\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The classic celebratory anthem is pumping out of the speakers, and the France players have gone over to their supporters jumping, dancing, and singing along to celebrate with them.<\/p>\n

A very different scene to the polite applause they gave their fans after a much more routine win in the round of 32. They know the pressure is ramping up, and every match from here on in is going to be tougher than the last.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:05am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:05am<\/p>\n

FT: Mbappe penalty secures France win over Paraguay\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

France booked a place in the World Cup quarterfinals after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay.<\/p>\n

The South Americans frustrated the French team for most of the game, applying negative and defensive tactics.<\/p>\n

France struggled to create chances, and had to wait until the 70th minute to get the game’s only goal.<\/p>\n

A VAR check awarded a penalty to France after a trip on Desire Doue.<\/p>\n

Kylian Mbappe stepped up to convert from the spot, scoring his seventh goal of the tournament, putting him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot.<\/p>\n

In stifling heat in Philadelphia, Paraguay struggled to create any chances as France held on for the win.<\/p>\n

They will face Morocco in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:02am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 9:02am<\/p>\n

90+5′ Mbappe denied twice by brilliant saves<\/p>\n

How is it not 2-0?<\/p>\n

Kylian Mbappe could have killed the game off there.<\/p>\n

Orlando Gill makes a brilliant one-handed save from Mbappe, then denies the French striker again on the follow up.<\/p>\n

That was an amazing save.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:55am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:55am<\/p>\n

90′ A shot on target for Paraguay!<\/p>\n

Mauricio shoots but it’s a pretty simple save.<\/p>\n

We’re going to have 10 minutes of stoppage time!<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:51am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:51am<\/p>\n

87′ No shots on target by Paraguay<\/p>\n

It’s been ugly, anti-football from Paraguay today.<\/p>\n

To be fair, it has frustrated France for much of the game.<\/p>\n

But even after going behind, they haven’t changed tactics and have yet to have a shot on target.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:47am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:47am<\/p>\n

78′ Lucky escape for Paraguay defender<\/p>\n

Juan Jose Caceres has a little kick out at Kylian Mbappe and avoids a card.<\/p>\n

We’re certainly seeing some dark arts from the South Americans.<\/p>\n

Doesn’t make a difference unless they score a goal.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:42am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:42am<\/p>\n

Another capacity crowd\"Amanda<\/p>\n

The attendance is officially 68,324 here in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

Well done to everyone for turning up on an unbearably hot day, and for bringing strong vibes, even when the action on the pitch hasn’t always been deserving of it!<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:41am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:41am<\/p>\n

Mbappe and Messi in goals race<\/p>\n

Kylian Mbappe now has 19 World Cup goals in total.<\/p>\n

He’s just one behind the record holder \u2014 Lionel Messi \u2014 who has 20.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:34am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:34am<\/p>\n

70′ MBAPPE SCORES FROM THE SPOT!\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

NEVER IN DOUBT.<\/p>\n

Kylian Mbappe converts from the penalty.<\/p>\n

It’s his seventh goal of the World Cup, level now with Messi for the golden boot.<\/p>\n

It’s been a frustrating day for France but they are in front.<\/p>\n

Paraguay has defended heroically but now needs to score.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:33am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:33am<\/p>\n

Penalty chants here!\"Amanda<\/p>\n

The crowd started chanting, penalty, penalty even without seeing the replay, and there is a massive cheer when it is awarded.<\/p>\n

Everyone except the Paraguayans is sick of the stalemate and wants a goal!<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:32am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:32am<\/p>\n

68′ PENALTY GIVEN TO FRANCE!<\/p>\n

Diego Gomez stuck his leg out and tripped Doue.<\/p>\n

Stonewall penalty.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:31am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:31am<\/p>\n

67′ VAR looking at a penalty for France<\/p>\n

Desire Doue goes down in the area.<\/p>\n

Looks like a penalty to me.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:30am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:30am<\/p>\n

66′ Defensive masterclass by Paraguay<\/p>\n

A lot of people have been asking who can stop France’s attacking superstars?<\/p>\n

The answer is Paraguay can.<\/p>\n

It has frustrated France the whole game.<\/p>\n

Mbappe, Dembele and Olise have struggled to make an impact.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:26am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:26am<\/p>\n

61′ France makes a change as well<\/p>\n

Bradley Barcola, who has been quiet, is replaced by D\u00e9sir\u00e9 Dou\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:24am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:24am<\/p>\n

59′ Paraguay makes changes<\/p>\n

Omar Alderete off and Jose Canale comes on.<\/p>\n

Looks like Alderete picked up an injury.<\/p>\n

Julio Enciso is also replaced with Gustavo Caballero on.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:20am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:20am<\/p>\n

54′ Shot tipped over the bar<\/p>\n

France turning the screw.<\/p>\n

Kone shoots from distance and Orlando Gill tips over.<\/p>\n

France playing with more intent in last few minutes.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:18am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:18am<\/p>\n

51′ Mbappe denied by great clearance<\/p>\n

France keeper Mike Maignan sends the ball long for Kylian Mbappe to burst on to.<\/p>\n

He brings it down but Juan Jose Caceres somehow gets his foot to it to deny Mbappe a certain goal.<\/p>\n

An amazing long ball from Maignan.<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:14am<\/p>\n

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 8:14am<\/p>\n

49′ Rabiot shoots from distance<\/p>\n

France again dominating the ball but struggling to get it into the area.<\/p>\n

Adrien Rabiot shoots from distance but it flies over the bar.<\/p>\n

Show more posts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 laughed and smiled \u2014 and scored, of course \u2014 when Paraguay tried to bait him and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":116830,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[2499,17,39873,1312,785,35664,39889,3543],"class_list":["post-116829","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-canada","tag-2026-world-cup","tag-canada","tag-canada-vs-morocco","tag-fifa-world-cup","tag-live","tag-live-updates","tag-paraguay-vs-france","tag-world-cup"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116829","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116829"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116829\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}