Kylian Mbappé scored a penalty on July 5, 2026, to help France advance past Paraguay in the World Cup. The 1-0 victory came after a rugged match.
What happened?
France dominated possession but struggled to break down Paraguay's compact defense.
The turning point
The match changed in the 55th minute when Manu Koné's long-range effort was saved by Orlando Gill.
Kylian Mbappé made the difference with his penalty, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Post-match reaction
Mbappé said France showed they can play dirty football too, after Paraguay's physical approach.
The French team had to adapt to the heat and Paraguay's tactics, but ultimately came out on top.
The victory sets France up for their next match, with Kylian Mbappé looking to add to his goal tally.
The bigger picture
The win keeps France on track in the World Cup, with Kylian Mbappé playing a key role in their success.
Paraguay's defeat ends their World Cup run, after a valiant effort against the favorites.
Kylian Mbappé's goal took him to one behind Lionel Messi in the all-time goalscoring record, on July 5, 2026.