France, one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will look to avoid any surprises on Saturday when they face Paraguay—the team that eliminated Germany—in their Round of 16 clash.

Didier Deschamps is expected not to underestimate the South American side as Les Bleus head into the match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia with this likely starting XI, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

THE NAMES

Mike Maignan is set to start in goal once again, protected by a back four of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba at center-back, with Jules Kounde and Lucas Digne operating as full-backs.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot would anchor the midfield as the double pivot.

In attack, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola would support striker Kylian Mbappe.

It would be the same lineup that started in France’s 3-0 win over Sweden at the New Jersey/New York Stadium, a match that marked Mbappé’s return to scoring form.

Les Bleus will be aiming for another victory at a ground where they previously beat Iraq 3-0.

France remain one of the teams to beat in the tournament, having scored 13 goals so far, and are eyeing a place in the quarterfinals, where they would face Morocco or Canada on Thursday, July 9, with a return to Boston on the horizon.

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