The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters a critical phase as France takes on Paraguay in a Round of 16 matchup on July 4. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Temperatures are forecast to exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff, potentially adding another layer of challenge to what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested game.
France enters the Round of 16 as a tournament favorite, maintaining an undefeated record and scoring three or more goals in each of their four victories. Their most recent performance was a decisive 3-0 win against Sweden, marking their largest margin of victory in a World Cup knockout stage since 1998. The team advanced through Group I with wins over Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1).
Paraguay secured their spot in the Round of 16 by achieving one of the tournament's significant upsets, defeating Germany in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. This victory marked only the second time in their World Cup history that Paraguay has advanced to the knockout stages. Their path through Group D included a 4-1 loss to the United States, a 1-0 defeat against Turkey, and a 0-0 draw with Australia.
Fans can watch the match on FOX for English commentary and Telemundo for Spanish. Streaming options include DIRECTV, which offers a five-day free trial for its Choice plan, including FOX, FS1, and Telemundo.
France's World Cup roster includes goalkeepers Brice Samba, Mike Maignan, and Robin Risser; defenders Malo Gusto, Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, William Saliba, Theo Hernández, Lucas Hernández, and Maxence Lacroix; midfielders Manu Koné, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Michael Olise, N’Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche; and forwards Ousmane Dembélé, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappé (captain), Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Paraguay's squad features goalkeepers Gatito Fernández, Orlando Gil, and Gastón Olveira; defenders Gustavo Velásquez, Omar Alderete, Fabián Balbuena, Júnior Alonso, Juan Cásceres, José Canale, Gustavo Gómez, and Alexandro Maidana; midfielders Diego Gómez, Mauricio Andrés Cubas, Damián Bobadilla, Alejandro Romero Gamarra, Julio Enciso, Braian Ojeda, and Matiás Galarza; and forwards Ramón Sosa, Antonio Sanabria, Miguel Almirón, Alex Arce, Gabriel Ávalos, Guastavo Caballero, and Isidro Pitta.