Paraguay vs France Tickets | World Cup Round of 16
Paraguay take on France in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium on July 4, with kickoff at 5 pm ET. It is a David-versus-Goliath tie: Paraguay arrive as the tournament's great giant-killers, having stunned Germany on penalties in one of the biggest World Cup upsets in memory, while France, the 2022 finalists, are among the favorites to lift the trophy. On US Independence Day, in the cradle of American independence, the underdogs will be dreaming of another famous night.
France dispatched Sweden with a Kylian Mbappé double, underlining the firepower that makes them so dangerous. Paraguay, by contrast, have built their run on defensive discipline and belief. Philadelphia Stadium, officially Lincoln Financial Field, should provide a passionate stage for a fascinating clash of styles as Gustavo Alfaro's organised outsiders take on the might of France.
How to Buy Tickets for Paraguay vs France
Demand for World Cup fixtures will be high, and tickets are expected to move quickly once allocations open. In fact, our customer service team regularly hear from fans who want to know: How can I book World Cup tickets? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your trip to the host cities. And if your team goes all the way, you could be there for the World Cup final.
- Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
- Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
- Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
- Click on the green 'Buy' button.
- Complete the order form using your personal details.
- Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
- Click 'Make Payment'.
- The tickets are now yours!
Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!
Paraguay vs France Preview & Predictions
France arrive as one of the clear favorites for the title. Runners-up in 2022, Didier Deschamps' side blend world-class talent all over the pitch, and eased past Sweden thanks to two goals from captain Kylian Mbappé. With Ousmane Dembélé also in superb form, they carry a frightening attacking threat and will expect to reach the quarter-finals.
Paraguay are the story no one saw coming. Back at a World Cup for the first time since 2010, Gustavo Alfaro's side produced a defensive masterclass to hold Germany and then knocked out the four-time world champions on penalties, goalkeeper Orlando Gill the hero. Well-organised, resilient and hard to break down, they will make France work for every chance.
On paper, this is a mismatch — France have the deeper squad and the individual quality to win comfortably. But Paraguay have already shown they can frustrate and topple a European giant, and with nothing to lose they will sit in, stay compact and look to strike on the counter or from set pieces. France will start as heavy favorites, but Paraguay have earned the right to believe.
Key Players to Watch
France's biggest threat is captain Kylian Mbappé, one of the finest players in the world, whose pace and finishing can decide a game in an instant — and who scored twice against Sweden. Ousmane Dembélé has been in electric form, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola add more attacking spark, and Aurélien Tchouaméni and William Saliba give the side control and steel.
Paraguay's hopes rest on their outstanding organisation and spirit. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was the hero against Germany, captain Gustavo Gómez leads a stubborn defense, and Brighton's Julio Enciso offers quality and a goal threat going forward. Miguel Almirón and Antonio Sanabria provide experience and an outlet on the break for the disciplined South Americans.
Philadelphia Stadium – Match Venue
Philadelphia Stadium, officially Lincoln Financial Field, will host this Round of 16 tie on 4 July. Home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, it holds around 69,000 and sits in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex alongside the city's other major arenas. Known for its passionate, noisy home crowds, it is one of several venues staging matches at this tournament.
With the match falling on US Independence Day in the city where American independence was declared, there is an extra sense of occasion. A lively, colorful crowd is guaranteed, and the stadium's steep stands and open bowl should help generate a powerful atmosphere for this knockout clash.
How to Get to Philadelphia Stadium for This Match
Philadelphia Stadium is one of the most accessible venues at the tournament, sitting at the southern end of the SEPTA Broad Street Line. The subway runs directly from Center City to the NRG station beside the sports complex in around 15 minutes, making it easily the simplest way to reach the ground on match day. There is also parking around the complex for those who drive. Philadelphia International Airport is around 7 miles to the southwest.
With the subway dropping fans right at the stadium, public transport is by far the best option, especially on a busy Independence Day. As ever, it's worth allowing plenty of time for travel and matchday security checks, and planning your return journey before kickoff.
Philadelphia Fan Guide for Match Day
Philadelphia is a wonderful city to explore on match day, and never more so than on the Fourth of July. Steeped in history as the birthplace of American independence, it offers Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the famous 'Rocky steps' at the Museum of Art, along with a legendary food scene — a cheesesteak is essential. Expect Independence Day celebrations to be in full swing across the city.
Expect a vibrant, colorful atmosphere, with France's travelling fans joined by a passionate Paraguayan following riding the wave of their historic run. With holiday festivities, fireworks and two proud footballing nations in town, it's well worth arriving early and making a day of the occasion.
Road to the Round of 16: Paraguay & France
The two teams reached the last 16 in very different circumstances. France, as expected, came through their Round of 32 tie with Sweden, Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to send Les Bleus into the last 16 with their title credentials intact.
Paraguay, meanwhile, produced one of the great World Cup shocks. After a 1–1 draw with Germany over 120 minutes — Julio Enciso putting them ahead before Kai Havertz levelled — they held their nerve to win the penalty shootout 4–3, with Orlando Gill starring, to knock out the four-time world champions.
It sets up a classic underdog story. France have the star power and strength in depth to start as overwhelming favorites, but Paraguay have the organisation, resilience and belief of a side that has already toppled a giant — and they will travel to Philadelphia dreaming of another upset for the ages.

