World Cup 2026: France’s 12-Goal Trio Ready to Unlock Paraguay on Saturday

Barcola says France are ready for Paraguay’s compact defence

World Cup last-16: France vs Paraguay on Saturday. France are unbeaten with 13 goals scored, while Paraguay upset four-time champions Germany to advance.

France vs Paraguay Preview: Mbappe, Dembele and Barcola Target Knockout Breakthrough...

France knows it will have to unlock a tight Paraguay defense in Saturday’s World Cup Round of 16, but Bradley Barcola said Thursday the team’s front three are playing with confidence and can get the job done. 

 

Les Bleus have been dominant so far, winning all four games with 13 goals scored and only two conceded. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Barcola have combined for 12 of those goals.

 

France booked their spot in the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday, while Paraguay advanced after shocking four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout. 

On facing Paraguay’s packed back line, Barcola said: “We know it will be complicated. We have to find alternatives and we will do that. I hope it keeps working well for us ‌until the end.”

Saturday’s match in Philadelphia is forecast to hit 36 degrees Celsius. Barcola admitted the heat will be draining, but said France have adjusted to the warm conditions after weeks of playing in North America.

“I enjoy immensely playing like that,” Barcola told a press conference. “We pass, attack and defend together. These are great players and that ⁠is why it works so well. It is a joy to play together.”