Brazil vs Norway takes place on 5th July at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Read our match preview, team news, predicted lineups and betting tips.
| Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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France to Win | 1/5 | Paraguay vs France | Place Bet |
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Paraguay 0-2 France | 5/1 | Paraguay vs France | Place Bet |
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Over 2.5 Goals | 8/13 | Paraguay vs France | Place Bet |
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France to Win, Over 2.5 Goals, and Kylian Mbappe to Score Anytime | 23/20 | Paraguay vs France | Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 01/07/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:05 01/07/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
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The Paraguay vs France prediction is an interesting one because this feels like a classic knockout football match. Paraguay won’t make life easy for anyone, while France have the quality to punish even the smallest mistake. So, can Paraguay frustrate one of the tournament favourites for 90 minutes? Or will France find another gear when it matters most? That’s exactly what makes this last-16 tie so intriguing.
France have looked sharper with every game they’ve played, while Paraguay have earned plenty of respect with their disciplined displays. Knockout football is rarely straightforward though, and Paraguay will believe they can stay in the contest for as long as possible.
Paraguay have built their success around organisation rather than flair. Gustavo Alfaro has his side defending with real discipline, keeping their shape and forcing opponents to work for every opening. Julio Enciso remains their biggest attacking threat, carrying the ball quickly on the counter whenever opportunities appear. If Paraguay are going to cause an upset, he’ll almost certainly be at the centre of it.
France continue to look like one of the strongest squads left in the competition. Didier Deschamps has so many attacking options that opponents struggle to contain them for an entire match. Kylian Mbappe remains the headline act and his pace causes problems against any defence. Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola all offer something different, while the midfield provides control without slowing the game down.
Set pieces could also play an important role. Mbappe is the most likely penalty taker for France, while free kicks around the box could be shared between him and some of France’s creative attacking players depending on the angle. Paraguay will look to Enciso whenever they have the chance to create something from dead-ball situations.
Paraguay:
Fernandez; Espinola, Balbuena, Alderete, Alonso; Cubas, Gomez, Villasanti; Enciso, Almiron, Sanabria.
France:
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Kante, Zaire-Emery, Khephren Thuram; Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola.
Paraguay deserve plenty of credit for reaching this stage. They’ve shown patience, discipline and a willingness to suffer without the ball. Their draw with Australia and their impressive display against Germany proved they won’t simply roll over against bigger nations.
The challenge here feels even tougher though.
France have found a really nice balance between controlling possession and attacking with speed. They don’t need to dominate every minute because they’re so dangerous once space opens up. That’s especially true in knockout football where one mistake can completely change the game.
You also get the feeling France are becoming more comfortable as the tournament progresses. Their victory over Sweden showed they can stay patient before eventually taking control once gaps begin to appear.
If you’re also looking for more football selections across the tournament, check out our todays football tips for the latest picks.
France should have enough quality to get through this tie, although it may take time to break Paraguay down.
Paraguay will probably defend deep, keep plenty of players behind the ball and try to frustrate France for as long as possible. If they can keep things level heading into the final half hour, they’ll fancy their chances of making it uncomfortable.
Still, France possess too much attacking talent to ignore. Once the game begins to stretch, they should create enough chances to find the breakthrough.
Over 2.5 goals also looks worth considering. Paraguay’s disciplined approach could keep things tight early on, but if France score first the match could open up considerably.
Everything points towards France progressing.
Paraguay have shown throughout the tournament that they’re difficult to beat and extremely well organised. They’ll compete for every ball and won’t hand France many clear opportunities.
The problem is maintaining that level for the full match. France have world-class quality across the pitch and enough options from the bench to change the game if needed.
Expect Paraguay to stay competitive, but France should eventually find the breakthrough.
Match Prediction: France to win. Bet with bet365.
A 2-0 France victory feels like the most realistic outcome.
Paraguay are unlikely to leave themselves exposed early, so this could stay level for a while before France’s quality eventually shines through. A second goal late on would put the result beyond doubt.
Correct Score Prediction: Paraguay 2-0 France. Bet with bet365.
Over 2.5 goals stands out as the stronger option.
Paraguay will naturally try to keep the game compact, but if France score first it changes everything. Paraguay would have little choice but to push forward, creating more space for France’s quick attackers.
Under 3.5 goals is another sensible alternative if you expect Paraguay to remain competitive throughout.
A simple bet builder that looks well balanced could include:
France should enjoy the majority of attacking moments, while Mbappe is usually central to everything they create in the final third.
Bet Builder Tip: France to Win, Over 2.5 Goals, and Kylian Mbappe to Score Anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
France head into the match as the stronger side thanks to their greater attacking quality and depth throughout the squad.
The match kicks off at 10pm on 4th July at Philadelphia Stadium.
The FIFA World Cup Round of 16 tie takes place at Philadelphia Stadium.