Mbappé Attacked in Unpunished Clashes During France-Paraguay World Cup Match
During a tense 2026 World Cup round of 16 match in Philadelphia, France faced Paraguay as multiple rough fouls and an unpunished punch by Paraguayan player Matias Galarza on Kylian Mbappé sparked scuffles and French anger. Incidents included Mbappé being struck in the face and later kicked by Juan Caceres, with referee Ilgiz Tantashev issuing no cards. The physical play disrupted the match, which remained scoreless at halftime, raising controversy over officiating and VAR in knockout stages.
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French Football Federation Takes Dig at Paraguay Over Controversial World Cup Match
The French Football Federation (FFF) has used irony to respond to the controversial 2026 World Cup round of 16 match between France and Paraguay, which France won 1-0 via a Kylian Mbappé penalty. In a social media graphic retracing France's tournament journey, the FFF omitted the Paraguay match entirely, sparking fan reactions. The match was marked by tensions after Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla made racist remarks about France captain Kylian Mbappé, leading to widespread condemnation in France and internationally. The Paraguayan authorities later distanced themselves from the senator's statements. The FFF's move is seen as a humorous response to the controversy. France is now preparing for a semi-final against Spain.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertUpamecano and Mateta: We Will Protect Captain Mbappé, and Racists Will Face Consequences
French national team players Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dayot Upamecano, and Robin Risser held a mixed-zone press conference at Bentley University after a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, two days before facing Morocco. They praised Morocco as a strong team ranked sixth in the world, noting improvements since their 2022 semi-final loss. The players also addressed a controversial statement from a Paraguayan lawmaker targeting captain Kylian Mbappé. Upamecano called the remarks unacceptable and urged consequences for racism, while Mateta confirmed the team's commitment to protecting Mbappé, who was targeted by opponents during the match. The press conference used FIFA's new 'three-in-one' format.
虎扑 - 足球Di Meco Praises Mbappé for Smiling Under Aggression in France's World Cup Win Over Paraguay
Former French international Eric Di Meco praised Kylian Mbappé and the French national team for maintaining composure amid what he described as provocations and aggression from Paraguay during a World Cup match. France secured a 1-0 victory. Di Meco specifically lauded captain Mbappé, stating 'Smiling in the face of aggression, Mbappé you're a monster,' highlighting his calm demeanor under pressure. The match also saw controversy regarding a red card issued to France's Folarin Balogun, which FIFA later overturned after an intervention by former US President Donald Trump, who confirmed he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the decision. The article is part of broader World Cup coverage on RMC Sport, including other matches and events.
Home Football - actualitésMbappé Asks Paraguay Defender 'Do You Want to Kiss Me?' After Rough World Cup Match
The World Cup round of 16 match between France and Paraguay (1-0) has sparked controversy due to Paraguay's unsportsmanlike conduct. France captain Kylian Mbappé converted a decisive penalty in the 70th minute, scoring his seventh goal of the tournament and 19th World Cup goal overall, chasing Lionel Messi's record. Paraguay defender Juan Cáceres revealed that Mbappé asked him 'Do you want to kiss me?' during tight marking. France coach Didier Deschamps praised his players for keeping their cool despite repeated hard fouls. Mbappé stated France can also play 'dirty football' if needed. England goalkeeping legend Joe Hart called Paraguay's tactics 'disgusting.' Paraguay's Matías Galarza, who fouled Mbappé without a card, cried after the elimination.
BILD - SportFrance complains of rough play against Paraguay; Mbappé and Cherki lash out
During a 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match, France's players reacted angrily to what they perceived as overly physical and dangerous play from Paraguay. Kylian Mbappé was heard cursing and later said Paraguay 'know how to play dirty football' and that France would 'get our hands dirty' if needed. Rayan Cherki, who came on as a substitute, accused Paraguay of being best at 'causing trouble' and said France proved it 'also wants to fight.' Paraguay defended its tactics, saying 'This is football.' Coach Deschamps had reportedly warned his players that Paraguay's main quality was disrupting opponents' rhythm. The match nearly escalated into a brawl, with several skirmishes and kicks exchanged.
Fútbol en AS.comGuardian: France vs Paraguay Match 'Extremely Disgraceful' Despite Not Being Worst in History
The Guardian published a scathing commentary on the France vs Paraguay Olympic football match, calling it an 'extremely disgraceful spectacle' though not the most shameful in history. The article describes Paraguay's aggressive tactics, including lunges at French players and deliberate damage to the penalty spot, with no Paraguayan player receiving a yellow card while three French players were booked. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev was criticized for lenient officiating, even reluctantly awarding France a penalty after VAR review. Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill provoked Kylian Mbappé, who scored the winning penalty and refused a post-match handshake, leading to a football being thrown at him. Mbappé taunted Paraguay, saying France 'know how to play dirty football too.' The match is compared to the infamous 1962 Chile vs Italy 'Battle of Santiago.'
虎扑 - 足球Paraguayan Defender Cáceres Reveals Kiss Taunt Exchange with Mbappé After World Cup Exit
Paraguay lost 0-1 to France in the World Cup Round of 16, exiting at the last 16 stage. After the match, Paraguayan full-back Juan José Cáceres gave an interview to TyC Sports, revealing intense on-field battles and an amusing exchange with French star Kylian Mbappé. Cáceres recounted that Mbappé asked him 'Do you want to kiss me?' and he replied 'Sure, since you said so.' Mbappé scored the only goal from a penalty and later accused Paraguay of playing 'dirty football,' stating France also knows how to play that way. Cáceres hit back, saying Paraguay was just doing what they had to do and left everything on the pitch with their heads held high.
虎扑 - 足球Paraguay-France: Low Blows, Provocation, and Unity Behind France's Gritty World Cup Victory
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a tense World Cup round of 16 match in Philadelphia, marked by repeated physical provocations and psychological warfare from Paraguay. Despite elbows, forearms, and insults targeting French stars like Kylian Mbappé, the team heeded coach Didier Deschamps' pre-match warnings and refused to be drawn out. Mbappé scored a penalty and taunted the Paraguayan goalkeeper in celebration. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev did not issue any yellow cards to Paraguay. France's William Saliba played through a back injury, and Deschamps deployed Ibrahima Konaté and Jean-Philippe Mateta to protect Mbappé during altercations. The victory further united the squad, with Mbappé stating the team can play 'dirty football' when needed. The win advanced France to the quarter-finals and showcased their resilience under pressure.
Home Football - actualitésFrance's Kylian Mbappé sends meaningful message after tense Paraguay win
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup. The game was marked by Paraguay's aggressive physical play, but France secured qualification when captain Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty. After the match, Mbappé posted a photo on Instagram with the caption 'A day at the office…', which was interpreted as a calm response to Paraguay's provocations. France will face Morocco in the quarter-finals. The article also notes ongoing controversy over the match officiating and Paraguay's complaints.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertInternational Media Denounces Paraguay's 'Rough Play' and 'Low Blows' Against France in World Cup Defeat
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia, with a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé. Spain's AS and Marca criticized Paraguay's excessive commitment and aggressive play, with Marca alleging the referee tolerated fouls. British outlets The Athletic and The Guardian described Paraguay's performance as 'amateurish,' 'childish,' and 'a nuisance,' citing dangerous tackles and cheap shots. German tabloid Bild headlined 'Vicious blows against the French superstars,' accusing Paraguay of 'extreme disloyalty.' In contrast, Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport called Paraguay's tactical plan 'respectable,' focusing instead on France's slow and uninspired play, while ESPN in South America described Paraguay simply as 'combative.'
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuParaguayan Media Proud of Team's Performance but Frustrated by Penalty Decision in World Cup Loss to France
Paraguay was eliminated by France in the World Cup round of 16 with a 0-1 scoreline, but the Paraguayan press widely praised the team's performance, tactical discipline under coach Gustavo Alfaro, and their fighting spirit. The decisive penalty awarded to France, triggered by a VAR intervention on a foul by Désiré Doué, sparked debate. While French media L'Équipe gave referee Ilgiz Tantashev a rating of 1, Paraguayan outlets like ABC and La Nacion described his overall officiating as 'correct and sober' but questioned the penalty decision, with some fans calling it a 'robbery.' President Santiago Peña congratulated the players as 'warriors.' The team exits the tournament with pride despite the narrow defeat.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuCONMEBOL President Criticizes France After Paraguay's World Cup Elimination
Following Paraguay's 1-0 loss to France in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez strongly criticized the French national team. Domínguez stated that France 'asked for the time' and questioned their reputation as a 'fantastic team,' asserting that while they are good, they are not as formidable as described. He praised Paraguay's performance under coach Gustavo Alfaro, claiming the team exposed France's weaknesses. Domínguez framed Paraguay's run as representative of South America's ambition, stating the continent 'always plays to win everything' and that Paraguay earned everyone's respect. He concluded with a message of resilience, noting that football always offers a chance for revenge.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertParaguayan Media Accuses Mbappé of Arrogance After World Cup Loss to France
Following Paraguay's 1-0 round of 16 elimination in the 2026 World Cup against France in Philadelphia, the Paraguayan press has heavily criticized French captain Kylian Mbappé. The match's sole goal came from a Mbappé penalty. Paraguayan newspaper Ultima Hora described Mbappé as having an 'arrogant and pretentious attitude,' noting a heated exchange with Paraguayan player Junior Alonso and claiming Mbappé refused to greet goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the match, calling him a 'bad winner.' While some outlets like ABC Color and La Nacion focused on praising Paraguay's competitive performance against the French team, the overall tone from Paraguayan media was sharply critical of Mbappé's conduct during the match.
Home Football - actualitésFrance 1-0 Paraguay: 'There were 3-4 actors from Prison Break,' a trap well avoided by Les Bleus
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup round of 16 match, advancing to face Morocco in the quarterfinals. The game was marked by physical and contentious incidents, with Paraguay employing rough tactics that the French team managed to overcome. French coach Didier Deschamps defended Kylian Mbappé's captaincy, while Paraguayan coach condemned insulting behavior. Players like William Saliba and Rayan Cherki praised the team's composure and intelligence in handling the 'battle.' The match featured '3-4 actors from Prison Break,' a metaphor for Paraguay's provocative style.
Home Football - actualitésCherki: South American teams never make friends; France can win gritty battles
France advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals by defeating Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. After the match, midfielder Rayan Cherki spoke in the mixed zone, acknowledging that South American opponents are tough and combative, but France proved they can win not only with beautiful football but also in a physical, gritty contest. Cherki cited teammate Kylian Mbappé's remark about 'getting hands dirty' when necessary, emphasizing the team's willingness to fight through adversity. He downplayed pre-match calculation, saying they 'jumped in headfirst.' Regarding France's three yellow cards, Cherki questioned how the opposing team committed multiple fouls without receiving any cards but insisted victory came from holding their ground. On the upcoming quarterfinal against Morocco, Cherki highlighted the special ties between the two countries and promised full commitment. The match was broadcast via YouTube.
虎扑 - 足球Paraguay coach denies insulting Deschamps' mother after World Cup match
Following France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, a controversy emerged when French coach Didier Deschamps reported hearing insults from the Paraguay bench, which French media interpreted as references to his mother's recent death. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro vehemently denied the accusations in a press conference, stating that his team does not 'stoop to that level' and that he respects Deschamps immensely. Alfaro explained that while there were disagreements over VAR decisions, no personal insults were directed at Deschamps or his family. The incident is sensitive because Deschamps' mother passed away days before France's previous group match against Norway, forcing him to attend her funeral.
RecordDeschamps: Fourth Official Said It Was Too Early for a Yellow Card
France narrowly defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup Round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals. After the match, head coach Didier Deschamps criticized the refereeing in an interview with beIN SPORT France. He noted that all three yellow cards were given to France, while Paraguay committed early harsh fouls without punishment. Deschamps recounted telling the fourth official that a yellow card should be given for a dangerous foul, but the official replied it was 'too early' for that. Deschamps argued that the card should have been issued immediately to prevent further fouls. He expressed frustration that the refereeing team seemed stuck in a pattern of leniency, but was relieved that the final result did not favor Paraguay's aggressive approach.
虎扑 - 足球France Savor 'Warrior' Attitude After Dirty Battle Against Paraguay in World Cup Round of 16
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a tense 2026 World Cup round of 16 match marked by physical play, elbows, and unsportsmanlike conduct from Paraguay. Despite 29 tackles and multiple dirty tricks, the French team responded with a 'warrior' attitude, as captain Kylian Mbappé stated they 'also know how to play dirty football.' Coach Didier Deschamps praised the team's resilience and preparation for the physical battle. Players like Rayan Cherki emphasized that France can match any team in a war of attrition. The match ended with post-game scuffles, and Paraguay received zero cards despite numerous fouls.
Home Football - actualitésFrance Impresses as a Unit in Hard-Fought Victory Against Paraguay
France secured a victory against Paraguay in a tough FIFA World Cup 2026 match, as praised by World Cup expert Thomas Helmer on WELT TV. The game was marked by physical play, with referees allowing many fouls to go unpunished. Despite the pressure, Kylian Mbappé remained composed. Helmer highlighted that France impressed as a cohesive unit and showed patience throughout the battle. The win underscores France's strength as a team in the tournament.
Nachrichten - WELTFrance Defeats Paraguay in Hard-Fought World Cup Match
France secured a victory against a provocative Paraguay in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 match. The game was marked by numerous unpunished fouls, with referees allowing a physical contest. Despite the provocations, French star Kylian Mbappé remained composed. World Cup expert Thomas Selmer, speaking on WELT TV, praised France for convincing as a unit and showing patience throughout the tough battle. The match, described as a fight against Paraguay's 'pub brawlers,' highlighted France's disciplined team performance under pressure.
Nachrichten - WELT