How to watch Paraguay v France, team news, predicted line-ups and more

France continue their quest for a third World Cup title when they face Paraguay in the last 16 on Saturday.

Didier Deschamps’ side have looked among the favourites throughout the tournament, finishing top of their group before cruising past Sweden in the round of 32.

Paraguay, meanwhile, have already caused one of the shocks of the competition by knocking out Germany and will be looking to claim another major scalp.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match…

Kick-off time in the UK

France take on Paraguay on Saturday 4 July, with kick-off in Philadelphia scheduled for 22:00 BST.

How to watch in the UK

TV channel: BBC One

Streaming: BBC iPlayer

Team news

France have been dealt a late blow with midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni ruled out after suffering a thigh injury in training. Manu Koné is expected to replace him in midfield, while Didier Deschamps is otherwise likely to name the same side that comfortably beat Sweden in the previous round. Marcus Thuram remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a calf problem.

Midfielder Diego Gómez is available again for Paraguay after serving a one-match ban. Star man Julio Enciso is being assessed after picking up a knock in the victory over Germany. The main concern for boss Gustavo Alfaro is in defence, where Omar Alderete remains a doubt with a knee injury.

Predicted line-ups

Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez (c), Canale, Alonso; Almirón, Bobadilla, Cubas, Galarza; Enciso; Ávalos

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Barcola; Mbappe

Recent form

Paraguay opened their campaign with a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States before bouncing back with a 1-0 victory over Türkiye and a goalless draw against Australia, which was enough to see them progress as one of the best third-placed teams. Alfaro’s side then produced one of the shocks of the tournament by eliminating Germany on penalties in the round of 32.

Didier Deschamps’ side opened their World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Senegal before easing past Iraq 3-0 and sealing top spot in Group I with a 4-1 win over Norway. They then cruised into the last 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden.

What’s been said?

Paraguay boss Alfaro on playing in expected high temperatures: “We are used to the heat. Yes, we are. However, you suffer the heat. What knockout ​match do you have in Paraguay at five in the afternoon? None. Maybe it happened once and ​there was a defeat. You don’t play at that time.”

Deschamps says his side will have to adapt to the heat: “I was with (France assistant coach) Guy Stephan at the final and semi-final of the Club World Cup. We were in the stadium. We saw that it was quite hot, and we could discuss. And it ​did have an impact.

“Now, is this good for the players’ health as soon as there ⁠are extreme conditions, whether it’s heat or cold or a hard pitch? It’s not ideal. But we didn’t choose, so ​we adapt and we anticipate.”