Paraguay face formidable France at World Cup following Germany upset
Paraguay will attempt to secure their second major upset of the 2026 World Cup when they face an imposing France side in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The South American nation arrive in Pennsylvania brimming with confidence after sensationally eliminating Germany on Monday.
However, they now face a monumental challenge against arguably the foremost talent-producing nation in global football.
Manager Gustavo Alfaro has promised a resilient and combative display against Didier Deschamps’ star-studded team.
Echoes of historic heartbreak
This weekend’s fixture stirs poignant memories of the 1998 tournament.
On that occasion, a legendary defensive display almost forced a penalty shootout before Laurent Blanc scored the first golden goal in the competition’s history.
The European heavyweights subsequently went on to lift the trophy on home soil.
Deschamps, who played in that 1998 midfield, now manages a modern squad possessing a far more explosive attacking arsenal.
Overcoming early setbacks
The Guarani suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat by the United States during the opening stages of this tournament.
Key defenders including Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez struggled significantly against a dynamic American frontline.
Yet the squad demonstrated remarkable character to regroup and send the German national team packing in their subsequent fixture.
Alfaro insists his side are driven by an unbreakable national spirit rather than financial superiority.
“We came here to compete, not to search for results. This group of players have overcome adversities and shown that football does not depend on the amount of money that a country has.”
Gustavo Alfaro
The tactician added that his players are determined to represent that fighting spirit on the pitch against the world’s elite.