Paraguay vs France World Cup 2026: TV channel, kick-off time, live stream

Paraguay and France meet in the World Cup last 16 on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm BST. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One, with pre-match coverage starting at 9.30pm. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer.

How the teams reached the last 16

France secured their place in the knockout stage with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sweden in the group stage. Paraguay, meanwhile, advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Germany, following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Paraguay will aim to produce another upset against a French side widely regarded as tournament favourites. The South Americans have already demonstrated resilience and determination, particularly in their victory over Germany.

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Team news and injury concerns

Paraguay are monitoring the fitness of key attacker Julio Enciso, who was substituted in the second half of the win against Germany due to an injury. Defender Omar Alderete is also a doubt, but midfielder Diego Gómez is available again after serving a suspension and could return to the starting lineup.

France have no fresh injury concerns, though Arsenal defender William Saliba is being monitored for a persistent back issue. Manager Didier Deschamps faces a selection dilemma on the left wing, where Paris Saint-Germain teammates Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué are competing for a starting spot. Marcus Thuram is expected to be available after recovering from a minor muscle problem.

What the managers said

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team's spirit: "We never believe that we are beaten. Twenty-six warriors went out there [against Germany] and they came back as legends. I told the players that we have lived through an epic evening. To resist is etched into our identity."

France coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the challenge: "I've watched Paraguay: what they have achieved is no accident. It is a typical South American team, strong in the duels and very tenacious, and they also have players of great quality. No team reaches the last 16 of the World Cup by chance. We have the ability to create danger and hurt the opposition. That's our strength, and I want us to keep that strength."