Paraguay Hub
Paraguay earns Mbappé and Deschamps' respect ahead of Round of 16
Paraguay's national team (Albirroja) has been cited by Kylian Mbappé and Didier Deschamps as a rival that "must be taken seriously" before the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match. After eliminating Germany in the group stage, the South Americans head into the next clash with France under Gustavo Alfaro, already generating admiration among the European elite.
What did Mbappé and Deschamps say?
Mbappé, Real Madrid’s striker, said after the win over Sweden: "They showed they are a team you have to take seriously. They beat Germany and there is no easy game at the World Cup. We will go to try to win." The French forward, in a serious tone, noted that the New York heat does not distract him from the task. Deschamps added that Paraguay’s qualification was no accident: "It’s not a coincidence because Germany is a good team. Then there is that South‑American DNA, where fights happen in duels, and they also have good players." Both coaches agreed the Albirroja is not a simple opponent.
Why does this matter?
Praise from figures like Mbappé and Deschamps raises Paraguay’s profile in the knockout stage. External respect can influence the squad’s mindset, which has already shown the ability to beat powerhouses. The acknowledgment also validates Alfaro’s work, who has built a solid defence and an attack with multiple options. Media pressure rises, but so does player confidence.
What’s next for Paraguay?
Paraguay prepares for the clash with France with two days of tactical analysis. Coach Alfaro said he will study the French game but will keep the South‑American identity of fight and commitment. In terms of recent form, the Albirroja comes off an irregular start: WWLLL in its last five matches, with a two‑game winning streak. The latest official win was against Mexico (1‑2) on 19 Nov 2025.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Mexico vs Paraguay (2025‑11‑19) | 1‑2 |
With morale rising and history in sight, Paraguay aims to turn the respect received into a performance that surprises France and keeps the dream of reaching the quarter‑finals alive.
How does this affect the World Cup picture?
European elite recognition suggests the Round of 16 will be more competitive. France, a historic favourite, cannot underestimate a team that has knocked out Germany. If Paraguay maintains its recent form and leverages its fighting DNA, it could become one of the tournament’s surprises, shaking analysts’ predictions.
