Kylian Mbappe of France sprints away after converting a penalty kick against Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup round of 16 match on Sunday. [AP]
Kylian Mbappe of France sprints away after converting a penalty kick against Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup round of 16 match on Sunday. [AP]

France advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 North America World Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay, decided by a Kylian Mbappe penalty.

France defeated Paraguay 1-0 Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

France, whose attack had produced at least three goals in each of their previous four matches, pressed relentlessly again but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by a resolute Paraguayan defense that denied them clear-cut chances.

Paraguay's defense was so tight that Mbappe failed to register a single shot in the first half. France coach Didier Deschamps introduced Desire Doue — a player known for his dribbling and footwork — in the 61st minute, and the left flank immediately came alive. Doue won a penalty within 10 minutes of stepping onto the pitch.

As Doue drove into the Paraguayan defense, Diego Gomez lunged in with a reckless tackle. The referee awarded a penalty after an on-field VAR review.

Mbappe stepped up and drove the ball into the right side of the net to give France the lead.

The goal was Mbappe's seventh of the tournament, drawing him level with Argentina's Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings. He also extended his World Cup career tally to 19 goals, closing to within one of Messi's all-time record of 20, while his record for most goals in World Cup knockout-stage matches grew to 11.

Mbappe had a chance to score his third multi-goal game of the tournament during stoppage time on a counterattack, but the goalkeeper denied him.

France will face Morocco — who crushed Canada 3-0 earlier that day — in the quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium in Boston at 5 a.m. on Friday, July 10.


yjc@heraldcorp.com