World Cup Round of 16: Paraguay vs France featuring Roma and Milan stars
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A preview of the World Cup Round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France, highlighting Serie A players from Roma and Milan likely to feature.
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Attributed to original sourceRoma midfielder Manu Koné starts for France with Milan pair Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan in the World Cup Round of 16 against Antonio Sanabria’s Paraguay.
It kicks off in Philadelphia at 22.00 UK time (23.00 CEST).
The winners will go on to face either Canada or Morocco in the quarter-final on July 9.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Matheus Cunha of Brazil runs with the ball against Adrien Rabiot of France during the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) Les Bleus have emerged as the hot favourites to win the trophy, having narrowly missed out in the 2022 Final against Argentina.
They won every match convincingly, 3-1 against Senegal, 3-0 with Iraq, 4-1 over a reshuffled Norway, and 3-0 in the Round of 32 to sweep Sweden aside.
Kylian Mbappé is a leading candidate for the Golden Boot on six goals in four games, though Ousmane Dembélé is hot on his heels.
France’s goalkeeper #16 Mike Maignan (L) and France’s forward #10 Kylian Mbappe react prior to the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 6, 2024. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP) (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images) There is plenty of Serie A involvement, although Inter striker Marcus Thuram is again ruled out by a muscular problem, along with Aurelien Tchaoumeni.
With that in mind, Roma midfielder Koné takes the reins alongside Milan veteran Rabiot.
Rossoneri goalkeeper Maignan celebrated his birthday this week and keeps the gloves.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Manu Kone #6 of France is challenged by Patrick Berg #6 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Paraguay started out with a dismal 4-1 defeat to the USA, but then surprised Turkiye 1-0, held Australia 0-0, and caused the shock of the competition when knocking out Germany on penalties.
The hero was goalkeeper Orlando Gill, who has been heavily linked with a potential Serie A move to Torino.
Cremonese centre-forward Antonio Sanabria is on the bench, but Diego Gomez returns from suspension, while Omar Alderete is still struggling with a knee injury.
There are strong concerns that thunderstorms could cause problems during tonight’s match.
Paraguay vs. France line-ups Paraguay: Gill; Caceres, G Gomez, Velazquez, Alderete, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, D Gomez; Almiron; Enciso
France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé
04-07-2026 22:00
Round of 16
Lincoln Financial Field
Paraguay
France
vs
Season Analytics
Paraguay
Positions
France
SEASON TOTAL PAR HOME 0 1 0 1 2 1 Last matches 29-06-2026
Germany
D
1 - 1
26-06-2026
Australia
D
0 - 0
20-06-2026
Turkey
W
0 - 1
13-06-2026
USA
L
4 - 1
26-06-2026
Australia
D
0 - 0
SEASON TOTAL FRA AWAY 1 0 0 4 0 0 Last matches
3 - 0
W
Sweden
30-06-2026
1 - 4
W
Norway
26-06-2026
3 - 0
W
Iraq
22-06-2026
3 - 1
W
Senegal
16-06-2026
1 - 4
W
Norway
26-06-2026
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What happened
Football Italia previews the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 tie between Paraguay and France, focusing on the Italian-based players from Roma and AC Milan who could play key roles for their respective national teams. The article examines the tactical matchup and the relevance of these Serie A stars in a high-stakes knockout fixture. It frames the encounter within the broader context of the World Cup bracket.
Chance analysis
This is a fixture preview centered on a World Cup knockout match, notable for Italian readers because of the Roma and Milan connections. From a prediction standpoint, the presence of specific Serie A players on both sides can inform expected tactical setups, defensive organization, and attacking patterns. The Round of 16 context elevates the stakes and makes lineup decisions and form highly consequential.
No direct impact on club teams; the article frames an international knockout fixture that may affect the availability and fitness of Roma and Milan players post-tournament.
Use this preview to assess the likely involvement and influence of Roma and Milan players in the Paraguay vs France World Cup knockout match for tactical and personnel-based predictions.