France are into the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, and England should be paying attention. Kylian Mbappe scored his 7th goal of the tournament in a 1-0 win over Paraguay, then tore into the opposition for their ‘ugly’ and ‘dirty’ football. For Tuchel’s England, the rampant Bleus now loom as one of the biggest obstacles to lifting the trophy.
Mbappe the difference-maker again
Mbappe tucked away the decisive second-half penalty with a smile, after soaking up Paraguay’s provocations all night. That’s 7 goals in five games. Nobody in this tournament is scoring more.
‘They want to play ugly football? Fine. We’re happy to get our hands dirty too,’ the Real Madrid-bound star said. That is the level of opponent England may have to beat to win it all.
What it means for Tuchel’s England
France face Morocco in the quarters — the same side that dumped out Spain and Portugal in 2022. If the Bleus advance, they sit in the half of the draw that could meet England in the semi-finals. That would be a heavyweight clash.
England have the tools to trouble them, with Bellingham and Kane leading the line. Paraguay exposed one thing: a pressed France can be rattled. High intensity and quick transitions are the blueprint to shut Mbappe down.
FAQ
What was the score in Paraguay vs France?
France won 1-0, courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe penalty in the second half.
How many goals has Mbappe scored at the World Cup 2026?
Seven goals in five matches, making him the tournament’s top scorer heading into the quarter-finals.
Could England face France at this World Cup?
Yes. Based on the draw, an England vs France meeting would only be possible from the semi-finals onwards.
Who do France play in the quarter-finals?
France take on Morocco, who knocked out Spain and Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.
Why did Mbappe criticise Paraguay?
He branded their football ‘ugly’ and ‘dirty’, hitting out at the provocations and the heavily physical approach.
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