Paraguay vs. France Prediction: World Cup Picks & Best Bets (July 4)
There's going to be a massive gulf in attacking quality when France takes on Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday. My Paraguay vs. France prediction backs Les Bleus to maintain their red-hot form with another comfortable knockout-stage victory at the 2026 World Cup.
France, unsurprisingly, enters the contest (5 p.m. ET on FOX) as a huge -600 favorite against a Paraguay side getting +1600 odds despite beating four-time World Cup winner Germany in the Round of 32. Our World Cup predictions also explain why Bradley Barcola is set for a significant performance in Philly.
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
⚽ Paraguay vs. France predictions: Pick to win & player prop bets
See all of our experts' soccer picks across the best World Cup betting sites.
| 💰 Best bets | 📊 Best odds | ⚖️ Wager (units) |
|---|---|---|
| France -1.5 | -160 via DraftKings | 1u -> 0.67u |
| Both teams to score: No | -225 via bet365 | 1.5u -> 0.67u |
| Over 2.5 goals | -138 via bet365 | 1.5u -> 1.09u |
| Bradley Barcola anytime goal | +180 via FanDuel | 0.75 -> 1.35u |
⚽ Who will win Paraguay vs. France?
All signs are pointing to France advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals for the fourth straight time. Paraguay is probably France's toughest test defensively, but there's too much talent to keep Didier Deschamps' star-studded team quiet.
With one of the deepest and most talented rosters at the 2026 World Cup, France will have no problem breaking down Paraguay's low-block scheme with a relentless attack, and Kylian Mbappe leading the way.
Paraguay's best hope for a goal will be on the counterattack, which is when France has been looking somewhat vulnerable during this World Cup. But expect Les Bleus to dominate possession early and set the tone with an aggressive approach that will overwhelm the South American nation.
Score prediction: France 3, Paraguay 0
💵 My best bet: Over 2.5 goals (-138)
Paraguay is renowned for its defense. It's an approach that helped to beat Germany, as Paraguay ground its way to a penalty-shootout victory as a massive underdog.
But things will be different against France, especially in a scenario when Paraguay is forced to push for a goal after falling behind. With World Cup dreams on the line, Paraguay will likely hneed to move out of its comfort zone, which should result in more chances for France's lethal attack.
🦶 Who will score in Paraguay vs. France?
Follow all of our expert soccer betting analysis for the 2026 World Cup.
Bradley Barcola, LW, France (+180)
Bradley Barcola is going to benefit from Paraguay's defensive strategy that will be heavily focused on stopping France's scoring machine, Mbappe, who's tied with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race with six goals.
The Paris Saint-Germain winger offers decent value on the anytime goal market with longer odds (+180) compared to Mbappe (-170). The 23-year-old provided an assist to Mbappe in France's 3-1 win over Senegal before getting on the score sheet himself with his first World Cup goal.
Paraguay's defenders are going to struggle with his explosive pace and direct attacking style.
Best Paraguay vs. France goal-scorer pick: Bradley Barcola (+180 via FanDuel)
💰️ More World Cup predictions today
We're locking in on France's Mbappe as part of our World Cup predictions today.
🥅 Will both teams score in Paraguay vs. France?
Paraguay has prioritized defense since World Cup qualifying, and that certainly shows in North America. Despite making it this far in the competition, Paraguay has only scored two goals at the 2026 World Cup.
Although Paraguay put one past legendary German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the last round, there's little hope that La Albirroja can break down France's elite back line that William Saliba anchors. Expect Paraguay to sit deep in hopes of taking the game to extra time and possibly penalties, as it did against Germany - but with less success.
Both teams to score (BTTS) pick: No (-220 via bet365)
💡 How to bet on both teams to score (BTTS)
Our soccer expert Jeremy Vernon broke down how to bet BTTS at the World Cup with a full history and statistical analysis of the popular prop betting market across more than 7,000 matches.
📊 Paraguay vs. France odds
We're tracking the latest World Cup odds and favorites to win this year's tournament.
📺 How to watch Paraguay vs. France
- Date: Saturday, July 4
- Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock
Related Articles
