France Set Up Paraguay Clash as World Cup Drama Peaks With Shock Exits for Germany and Netherlands

France are edging closer to another World Cup final appearance after a dominant run powered by their star-studded attack, while Sweden prepare for a daunting knockout clash against the reigning champions in a tournament already full of shocks.

Les Bleus have looked sharp and ruthless, with Kylian Mbappé scoring four goals so far and Ousmane Dembélé stealing headlines after a hat-trick in a 4–1 group-stage win over Norway. Michael Olise has also added creativity and chaos in attack, with his dribbling runs consistently troubling opposition defences.

Their form has fuelled belief that France could reach a third World Cup final in four editions, combining attacking flair with tournament experience under Didier Deschamps.

However, Sweden will not go quietly. Premier League forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres will carry their nation’s hopes, even though both have struggled to fully hit top form in the competition so far.

France’s biggest concern remains their defence, but Deschamps insists discipline and focus will be key as knockout pressure intensifies.

“Sweden are playing for their survival. Obviously they will do everything to win the game,” Deschamps said.
“We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration.”

He added that the knockout stage leaves no room for error after a group phase that allowed some breathing space.

Sweden coach Graham Potter acknowledged the scale of the challenge, calling for a near-perfect performance to stand a chance against the tournament favourites.

“They have quality all over… They have won the World Cup before,” Potter said.
“We will have to play the game of our lives, clearly.”

The winner of France vs Sweden will face Paraguay in the semi-finals after the South American side produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by eliminating Germany on penalties.

Paraguay’s triumph has already triggered national celebrations, with coach Gustavo Alfaro dedicating the victory to supporters back home. In Germany, however, the mood is bleak, with growing scrutiny on coach Julian Nagelsmann after a disappointing campaign for the four-time champions.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Morocco continued their remarkable run by knocking out the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout in Monterrey. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero after saving Crysencio Summerville’s spot-kick, before Ismael Saibari sealed victory.

Brazil also advanced after a hard-fought 2–1 comeback win over Japan, setting up a potential meeting with the winner of Norway’s clash against the Ivory Coast.

Mexico, meanwhile, continue their campaign in front of a passionate home crowd at the Estadio Azteca, where they face Ecuador with a place in the next round—and a potential capital-city semi-final—on the line.

With heavyweights falling and underdogs rising, this World Cup is rapidly shaping into one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory.