PHILADELPHIA – Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot to send the French into the next round. The goal was Mbappé’s seventh of the tournament, drawing him level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts. It also took his overall World Cup tally to 19 goals, one behind Messi’s 20.

Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals earlier on Saturday with an emphatic 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The match in Philadelphia was played in sweltering conditions, with temperatures reaching 38°C. France dominated possession but found it difficult to break down a disciplined Paraguayan side that employed a defensive 5-4-1 formation and frustrated the European giants for long periods.

France eventually found the breakthrough through Mbappé’s penalty, while the physical encounter saw three French players booked.

“We knew what kind of match awaited us, but I think things went very well today,” Mbappé said after the final whistle.

France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that his team had passed an “important milestone,” adding: “The match was not easy, and Paraguay plays by all possible means. Perhaps their style does not offer the kind of football that attracts fans to the stands, but it relies on physical aggression and tackles, which makes the match more difficult.”

He added: “We didn’t lose our focus throughout the match, and it was difficult. They have a strong defence and are well organised. Of course, the high temperatures don’t help playing at a high tempo, but even without an attacking intensity, they defended well.”

He continued, “We have passed an important stage, as facing South American teams is always complicated.”