Former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert has sparked outrage after making racist comments about the France national team hours before their World Cup last-16 match. France have been dominant in the tournament, scoring 13 goals in four games, with their attack featuring Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, and Kylian Mbappe. They face Paraguay tonight in Philadelphia after Paraguay beat Germany on penalties.
Chilavert's Social Media Post
Chilavert responded on social media to comments by former France forward Christophe Dugarry, who had predicted 'a beating' for Paraguay and criticized their defensive tactics. Chilavert wrote: 'Christophe, you're right, at the 1998 World Cup we faced the French and now Paraguay will face an African team.'
History of Vile Comments
Chilavert has a history of making offensive remarks. In 2024, he called Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr a homophobic slur after Vinicius broke down in tears discussing racist abuse in Spain. France were runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, losing to Argentina on penalties. Six months later, after Argentina beat Colombia in the Copa America final, video emerged of the team appearing to sing a racist song about French players with African heritage.
Match Context
The winners of France vs Paraguay will face Canada or Morocco in the quarter-finals. Temperatures are expected to reach 38°C, with an extreme heat warning in place. France coach Didier Deschamps said: 'It is something we need to take into account, but I think every team has prepared for it. It can have an impact on all the teams. This will be our fifth game at the tournament and that will have an impact as well, but I am not fixated on the heat.'
