Former France midfielder Robert Pires has cautioned Les Bleus against underestimating Paraguay ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-16 clash in Philadelphia, warning that the South Americans will attempt to replicate the suffocating defensive approach that stunned four-time champions Germany in the round of 32.

Pires Recalls the 1998 Warning

The fixture carries deep historical weight. The two nations last met at this stage at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, where Laurent Blanc's extra-time strike — the first-ever golden goal in World Cup history — finally broke a resolute Paraguay side after Les Bleus were frustrated for long periods. Pires believes the tactical blueprint will be identical 28 years on.

'It will be a similar tactical set-up to 1998. Didier Deschamps is well aware of that, and so are his players. Los Guaranies will sit very deep and park the bus — they're a tenacious, aggressive team. They will try to frustrate France and wind them up, so Les Bleus will have to keep their cool,' Pires said in remarks to FIFA.

The First Goal Is Everything

Pires identified securing an early breakthrough as the decisive factor. 'That's why, in matches like this, the hardest thing is always finding that first goal. If it comes early, great. But if the game drags on, frustration can start to creep in. France must avoid falling into the trap Paraguay will set for them at all costs,' he added.

Paraguay, buoyed by their historic elimination of Germany, will be targeting a second consecutive upset against a former champion. Pires, however, expressed confidence that France's attacking depth would ultimately prove decisive.

France's Firepower in Focus

France have been the tournament's most lethal side so far, scoring 13 goals while conceding just 2 across the group stage and round of 32. Kylian Mbappé leads the scoring charts with 6 goals, Ousmane Dembélé has contributed 4, and playmaker Michael Olise has registered 5 assists — a combination that has elevated France to overwhelming favourites for the title.

'Given the players at our disposal, there is always someone capable of making the difference. We have some outstanding, unpredictable players, with four or five capable of scoring goals. That is a formidable weapon. I know it will be difficult, but if we approach it professionally and stay focused, we will get past Paraguay,' Pires said.

Head-to-Head Record and World Cup History

France hold an unbeaten record against Paraguay across five previous meetings — 3 wins and 2 draws. This will be the third time the sides meet in a World Cup knockout stage, following their 1958 group-stage encounter (France 7–3 Paraguay) and the 1998 round-of-16 clash (France 1–0 Paraguay). History favours France, but Paraguay's recent form against Germany suggests this tie will be anything but straightforward.