A second-half penalty from captain Kylian Mbappe proved to be the difference between the two sides, sending the French team into the last eight and setting up a quarter-final meeting with Morocco later this week.

While France secured the result they wanted, the match generated headlines beyond the scoreline. Moments after the final whistle, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill appeared to approach Mbappe for a post-match handshake. Television footage showed the French forward walking away, after which Gill threw the ball in Mbappe’s direction. The ball struck the France star on the back before teammates and officials moved the players apart.

The incident briefly overshadowed what was another influential performance from Mbappe, who continued his impressive scoring run in the tournament.

The breakthrough came in the 70th minute after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review awarded France a penalty. Following a foul decision inside the box, Mbappe stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give his side the lead.

It was a crucial moment in a game where Paraguay had frustrated France for long periods with disciplined defending and organised play.

Despite controlling possession for much of the contest, France found it difficult to create clear-cut chances. Mbappe missed a promising breakaway opportunity in the second half, while midfielder Manu Kone saw a powerful effort denied by an outstanding save from Gill.

The Paraguay goalkeeper emerged as one of the standout performers of the match. Even after conceding the decisive goal, he produced several important stops, including two late saves from Mbappe during stoppage time that kept his team in contention until the final whistle.

France ultimately held on for victory, but Paraguay earned praise for pushing one of the tournament favourites all the way.

Mbappe’s goal carried additional significance. It was the 19th World Cup goal of his career, moving him within one strike of Lionel Messi’s tally. The France forward has now scored seven goals in the ongoing tournament and remains level with Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

France will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated quarter-final against Morocco, scheduled for July 9.

Morocco reached the last eight after a commanding 3-0 victory over hosts Canada in another Round of 16 fixture. The result made history for the North African nation, which became the first African country to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on more than one occasion.

After a goalless first half, Morocco took control following the break.

Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty area after a set-piece move involving Achraf Hakimi. Ounahi then doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute after being set up by Brahim Diaz.

Canada attempted to respond but struggled to break down Morocco’s defence. Jonathan David came close from a free-kick, although his effort sailed over the crossbar. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou also produced several key saves to deny the hosts.

Morocco sealed the result deep into injury time when Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal, ending any hopes of a Canadian comeback.

With both teams advancing through contrasting victories, the upcoming France-Morocco quarter-final promises to be one of the most closely watched matches of the tournament. France will rely on Mbappe’s form and experience, while Morocco arrive with growing confidence after another historic achievement on the global stage