Didier Deschamps has opted against resting key players as France face Paraguay for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. 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 last eight.
France Starting XI Confirmed
France XI: Maignan; Digne, Upamecano, Kounde, Saliba, Kone, Rabiot, Dembele, Mbappe, Olise, Barcola. Subs: Samba, Risser, Gusto, Konate, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, Lacroix, Tchouameni, Kante, Zaire-Emery, Cherki, Akliouche, Thuram, Doue, Mateta.
There is one change in midfield as the injured Aurelien Tchouameni makes way for Manu Kone. Lucas Digne also keeps his place, fending off Theo Hernandez.
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, but face a mammoth task if they are to repeat the trick. Facing a side ranked 34th in the world, Deschamps may have been tempted to hand rests to some of his more established stars, with later rounds likely to throw up opponents including Morocco, Spain or Portugal.
He has decided against heavy rotation, though, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise all getting the nod.
Match Details
Time and date: 10pm BST on Saturday, July 4, 2026. How to watch: BBC. Venue: Philadelphia Stadium.
