Mbappe draws level with Messi as France beat Paraguay to set up Morocco tie

France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup 2026 last 16, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the decisive goal from a penalty in the 70th minute. This victory sets up a quarter-final match against Morocco. Mbappe's goal brings his World Cup 2026 tally to seven, leveling him with Lionel Messi as the tournament's joint-top scorer. The match, played in Philadelphia under heatwave conditions, saw a stubborn Paraguayan defense frustrate France for much of the game. Despite not being a dominant attacking performance, France secured the win, advancing to face Morocco who had previously beaten Canada.

Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal from a penalty kick in the 70th minute, leading France to a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16. The match, played in extreme heat in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, saw France advance to the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive time. Mbappé's goal, his 19th in World Cup play, came after a video review determined Paraguay's Diego Gomez committed a foul. France will face Morocco next in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Despite a physical and defensive performance from Paraguay, France secured the win, continuing their undefeated streak in the tournament.

Kylian Mbappé of France scored his 19th career World Cup goal from a penalty kick in the Round of 16 match against Paraguay on Saturday in Philadelphia. This goal brings him within one of Lionel Messi's record of 20 career World Cup goals. Mbappé's goal, his seventh of the current tournament, broke a scoreless tie and places him in contention for the Golden Boot as the World Cup's top scorer, a title he won four years ago. Messi recently scored his 20th career World Cup goal for Argentina. Other top scorers in the Golden Boot race include Erling Haaland and Harry Kane with five goals each.

The World Cup Round of 16 begins with Canada facing Morocco in Houston and France playing Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 4th. France's star player, Kylian Mbappé, will compete in Philadelphia under extreme heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Houston match will be played indoors due to a retractable roof. Measures such as misting fans and cooling tents are being implemented in Philadelphia to mitigate the heat for fans. The Round of 16 will feature two games daily for four days to determine the quarterfinalists.