Mbappé's France await Paraguay in the last 16

France are next, Saturday

France dismantled Sweden 3–0 in the round of 32 and will face Paraguay in the last 16 on Saturday, July 4 (1) (4) (7). Kylian Mbappé scored twice, Bradley Barcola added a third, and Michael Olise ran the show (8) (15). Your team just knocked out Germany on penalties. Now you get Mbappé.

Mbappé and Deschamps: 'a team to take seriously'

France are not looking past Paraguay. Mbappé said it plainly: "Es un equipo que hay que tomar en serio", this is a team to take seriously (4). Didier Deschamps pointed to Paraguay's "South American DNA" and told French media the match demands full focus (6). No patronising from the reigning finalists.

Collina defends the disallowed Germany goal

The goal that could have sunk Paraguay in the round of 32 should never have stood, according to FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina (2) (3). The decision to disallow it was correct, he said, adding the ruling "should surprise nobody" (2). Mats Hummels was less diplomatic: he called out a teammate's behaviour after the exit as "unfortunately telling" (5).

Turkey–Paraguay incident echoes in Mexico–Ecuador

Mexico beat Ecuador 2–0 in their round of 32 match, and Turkish media noted a flashback to the Turkey–Paraguay group-stage incident during the game (9). No fresh controversy for your side, just a reminder that Paraguay's matches leave a mark on this tournament.

Fan reactions

The tone online is shifting fast. After Paraguay's shootout, fans on r/worldcup are putting your goalkeeper in the same sentence as the best shot-stoppers of the round, "keepers win you tournaments, no doubt about it" (Reddit 2). Over on r/soccer, the France result landed with a mix of dread and excitement: one thread simply reads "France beats Sweden 3–0 to qualify for the R16 where they will play Paraguay" and the comments are buzzing about Saturday. Join the discussion