Paraguay vs France Lineups, Starting 11, Bench & Formation
(Philadelphia)
Paraguay 5-3-2France 4-2-3-1Gustavo Alfaro
Paraguay manager. Nationality: Argentina. Alfaro can keep Paraguay deep, protect the box with five defenders, and release Enciso or Almiron into transition.
Didier Deschamps
France manager. Nationality: France. Deschamps can control the tie through midfield patience, then use Mbappe, Dembele, Olise, and Barcola to attack space.
Paraguay FIFA ranking
France FIFA ranking
Projected Paraguay shape
Projected France shape
Paraguay national football team vs France national football team lineups are projected because official team sheets are yet to be confirmed. Paraguay arrive after knocking out Germany on penalties, while France bring the tournament’s most dangerous attacking group into Philadelphia.
Gustavo Alfaro is expected to keep Paraguay compact in a 5-3-2. Didier Deschamps can use a 4-2-3-1 with Mbappe ahead of Dembele, Olise, and Barcola.
Match Details
| Match | Paraguay vs France |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Round | Round of 16 |
| Date | July 4, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 5:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia |
| Lineup status | Projected lineups; official team sheets yet to be confirmed |
Team News and Lineup Preview
Paraguay Team News
Paraguay national football team vs France national football team lineups include one major Paraguay boost because Diego Gomez returns from suspension. RotoWire lists Omar Alderete as a late call, so Paraguay may keep a five-defender shape if he is not cleared.
Orlando Gill should remain central to the plan after the Germany shootout. Paraguay need the goalkeeper, centre-backs, and Cubas to keep the game slow and narrow.
France Team News
France have more attacking depth, but they are missing Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram through injury in the checked team-news set. Deschamps can still field a strong XI with Rabiot and Kone behind the front four.
Mbappe gives France the direct route, while Dembele and Olise can break Paraguay’s block with carries and early passes. Barcola adds speed on the left if Paraguay defend deep.
What Could Change Before Kickoff
Paraguay’s final decision may depend on Alderete’s fitness. If he is available, Alfaro can keep more aerial strength in the back line and protect the penalty area.
France could rotate one attacking midfielder if Deschamps wants fresher legs. Doue and Kolo Muani give him two different ways to change the final third.
Paraguay vs France Lineups Status
The current lineup card is a projected tracker. It uses FIFA match details, current team-news reporting, possible XI reporting, and tactical fit before official sheets arrive.
Paraguay will try to make this a low-event match. France must stay patient because Germany created chances against the same block and failed to finish them.
Paraguay Starting XI
Paraguay project with Gill behind Caceres, Canale, Gustavo Gomez, Velazquez, and Junior Alonso. Cubas, Diego Gomez, and Galarza give Alfaro a midfield three behind Enciso and Almiron.
That 5-3-2 gives Paraguay central protection and two counter outlets. Enciso can carry the ball into space, while Almiron can attack France when the full-backs advance.
France Starting XI
France project with Maignan behind Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, and Digne. Rabiot and Kone can sit behind Dembele, Olise, Barcola, and Mbappe.
That shape gives France balance and four high-level final-third players. Mbappe can stretch Paraguay’s back line, while Olise can receive between midfield and defence.
Formation Analysis
Paraguay’s 5-3-2 should protect the box and force France into wide combinations. The risk comes if France switch play quickly and isolate a wing-back.
France’s 4-2-3-1 can pin Paraguay deep if Rabiot and Kone control second balls. Dembele and Barcola must keep width so Olise and Mbappe can find gaps inside.
Key Players in the Starting Lineup
Orlando Gill matters because Paraguay may spend long periods defending. If he handles crosses and early shots, Paraguay can stay close enough to threaten late.
Kylian Mbappe is France’s main knockout weapon. Paraguay must deny him clean running lanes, because one break can decide the tie.
Notable Absences
Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram are ruled out for France in the checked team-news reports. Omar Alderete remains a late call for Paraguay.
Bench Strength Comparison
Paraguay’s bench gives Alfaro defensive cover and some late attacking options. Rojas and Sosa can help if Paraguay need more carries and set-piece threat.
France have the stronger bench. Doue, Camavinga, Kolo Muani, Coman, and Theo Hernandez give Deschamps several ways to change tempo.
Head Coaches — Tactical Approach
Alfaro will ask Paraguay to defend deep, stay compact, and turn the match into a test of patience. His team need set pieces and transitions to create pressure.
Deschamps will want France to avoid rushed shots and force Paraguay to move side to side. If France keep the ball moving, their front four can create enough chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Paraguay vs France lineups confirmed?
No. The official Paraguay vs France lineups are yet to be confirmed, so the current card shows projected starting XIs.
What formation could Paraguay use against France?
Paraguay are projected in a compact 5-3-2 with Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron leading the counter-attacks.
What formation could France use against Paraguay?
France are projected in a 4-2-3-1, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line and Michael Olise behind him.
Who are the key players in Paraguay vs France lineups?
Orlando Gill, Julio Enciso, Diego Gomez, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele are key players to watch.
When will the official starting 11 be available?
The official starting 11 should be available around one hour before kickoff, once both teams release match sheets.
Paraguay vs France lineups will become confirmed only after both official match sheets arrive. Until then, Paraguay project as the deep defensive side, while France carry the stronger attacking depth and cleaner chance creation.
