FIFA World Cup 2026: France's Tchouameni ruled out of Paraguay clash due to injury
Philadelphia, July 4
France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will miss Saturday's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Paraguay due to a thigh injury, according to a report by French daily L'Equipe, cited by Reuters.
The 26-year-old Real Madrid star has so far been a starter in three out of four FIFA World Cup matches so far, but has not delivered any goals or assists so far.
France has a clean FIFA WC 2026 record so far, with three dominant wins in three games in the group stage before besting Sweden in their round of 32 clash.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has not issued any comments on the matter so far.
A clinical double from talismanic captain Kylian Mbappe steered France to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Sweden at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium).
Entering the match tied with Brazilian icon Ronaldo and legendary pre-war forward Leonidas at 8 career knockout stage goals, Mbappe's strikes in the 45th and 74th minutes pushed his total to 10 knockout stage goals, the most by any player in the history of the competition.
Mbappe's knack for delivering when the stakes are highest has defined his international career. His updated goal tallies paint the picture of a player performing at unprecedented efficiency. In the knockout stage, he has now scored 10 goals, bypassing Ronaldo (8) & Leonidas (8) for the record.
Mbappe's sixth goal of the tournament made his case for the Golden Boot even stronger as he is just behind Lionel Messi (seven goals).
The brace also took his World Cup tally to 18 goals in just 18 appearances, leaving him two shy of Messi's all-time record of 20 goals, achieved across 29 World Cup matches.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I know Mbappe is special but comparing him to Messi already is a bit premature. Yes his numbers are great but Messi played in a different era with different defensive structures. Let him win a World Cup final first before we crown him the GOAT. France look scary though, like we saw against Sweden!
As an Indian football fan, I'm just happy to see World Cup football back in the US. The atmosphere must be electric! France vs Paraguay should be an interesting contest - Paraguay is unpredictable. Tchouameni's absence could be a small opening for them, but France's midfield depth is ridiculous. 🇮🇳⚽
Can we talk about how France has 9 points from 3 group games and then beat Sweden 3-0? That's absolute dominance. Mbappe's goal record is getting scary - 10 knockout stage goals already! But I worry about injuries piling up as the tournament goes deeper. Depth will be tested now with Tchouameni out.
I'm actually disappointed that the article focuses so much on Mbappe when Tchouameni's injury is a big story too. He's been a silent warrior in midfield, doing the dirty work that allows Mbappe to shine. Hope he recovers quickly! France fans should be a bit concerned - Paraguay's counter-attacking style could exploit a disrupted midfield.
Mbappe's stats are mind-blowing, no doubt. 18 goals in 18 appearances is Messi/Ronaldo territory. But the real test for France is if they can win without a fully fit squad. Football history is full of teams that
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