FIFA World Cup 2026: "They thought we'd turn up in tuxedos," says Mbappe after Paraguay clash
Philadelphia, July 5
France captain Kylian Mbappe said his side was ready for a physical contest against Paraguay and showed they could adapt to any style of play after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, according to Reuters.
Speaking after France booked their place in the quarterfinals, Mbappe said Les Bleus were well aware of the kind of challenge Paraguay would present.
"We knew what kind of match we were going to have," Mbappe said after the match, as quoted by Reuters.
The France skipper said his team was willing to embrace a physical contest if required and rejected the notion that Les Bleus would shy away from such battles.
"If we have to get our hands dirty, we can do that. We can play ugly football. They thought we would turn up in tuxedos, but we were there," he said.
Mbappe also backed France's overall performance, insisting his side deserved the victory despite Paraguay's combative approach.
"Even at that game, we were better than them. That's their football -- there is no right or wrong way to play the game. They tried to get at us that way, but we won," he added, as quoted by Reuters.
France booked a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Lincoln Financial Field, thanks to Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty.
Despite dominating possession, Les Bleus found it difficult to break down Paraguay's disciplined defence, with the South Americans frustrating Didier Deschamps' side throughout the opening half.
The match became only the third FIFA World Cup knockout fixture since 1966 to reach halftime without a single shot on target, while tensions flared following a challenge on Mbappe that sparked a mass confrontation.
France finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute after Desire Doue won a penalty, which Mbappe converted calmly. Paraguay pressed for an equaliser until the final whistle, but France held firm to secure victory and set up a quarterfinal clash with Morocco.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit tired of this "tuxedo" narrative. Football is football — whether you're playing in a posh stadium or a dusty field in the Brazilian favela. Paraguay were just doing what they do, and France found a way. But Mbappe's comment feels a bit classist, no? Like South American football is somehow inferior because they're *physical*? Come on, Kylian.
Dude, this is great for France fans but as an Indian who loves football, I wish we had this kind of attitude from our players. Imagine Sunil Chhetri saying "we'll get our hands dirty"... that would be legendary! Mbappe showing why he's the captain — leading from the front, both on the pitch and in the press room. World Cup is better when stars like him show character. 🇮🇳⚽
"We can play ugly football" — that's the champions' mindset I love. But let's be real, that match was a snoozefest until the penalty. No shots on target in the first half? That's not just Paraguay's defence, that's France lacking creativity. Morocco in the quarters will be a different beast — they've got that same grit but better technical ability. Should be a cracker! 🏆
Yaar, as a neutral fan, I actually appreciated Paraguay's approach. Why should every team play tiki-taka? Football is beautiful in its diversity — some teams play like samba, some like tango, and some like a street fight. France won, fine, but don't disrespect the opposition's style. Mbappe is a fantastic player, but that comment felt a bit... you know, arrogant. Just win and move on, boss. 🤷♂️
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