France vs Paraguay: Predicted XI, team news for World Cup 2026 last 16

Didier Deschamps may take the opportunity to rest some key players as France take on Paraguay in the World Cup last 16. Les Bleus have cruised to this stage of the tournament, hardly breaking a sweat despite the intense North American temperatures, and will fully expect to book their place in the quarter-finals here.

Paraguay's Giant-Killing Run

Paraguay stunned Germany in the last-32 to reach this stage, winning on penalties after the 120 minutes ended with one goal apiece. They face a mammoth task if they are to repeat the trick against a side ranked 34th in the world.

Deschamps may be tempted to hand rests to some of his more established stars, with later rounds in the tournament likely to throw up opponents including Morocco, Spain or Portugal. They must be wary of falling foul to another huge upset, but the French second string should have more than enough quality to get the job done here.

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Rotation Options in Defence

Deschamps has already shown a penchant for rotation at this tournament. Theo Hernandez may well replace Lucas Digne at left-back, while Maxence Lacroix is an option to deputise for one of William Saliba or Dayot Upamecano in the centre of defence.

Midfield and Attack Changes

Further up the pitch, France started with Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in defensive midfield. Having played 90 minutes in all but one of Les Bleus’ World Cup matches so far, Real Madrid’s Tchouameni may be the man to make way, with Manu Kone in line to step up.

There are, of course, plenty of decisions to be made in the front four. The prolific Kylian Mbappe will surely continue to lead the line - he will accept nothing less than a starting berth - but the three behind him may rotate. With historic fitness issues in the back of his mind, Ousmane Dembele may get the chance to rest his weary legs here, with Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola more than willing to step in. Rayan Cherki could also be in line for a run out, though he will struggle to unseat Michael Olise in the No10 role.