In a dramatic turn of events at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both Paraguay and Morocco defeated France in Group D matches, leaving the defending champions on the brink of elimination. Paraguay secured a 2-1 victory over France on June 28, followed by Morocco's 1-0 win on July 5, 2026.
Paraguay's Historic Win
Paraguay's triumph over France on June 28 was their first ever against the French national team. Goals from Miguel Almirón and Antonio Sanabria in the first half gave Paraguay a 2-0 lead, with France's Kylian Mbappé pulling one back in the 78th minute. Despite heavy pressure, Paraguay held on for a memorable victory.
Morocco's Tactical Masterclass
Morocco followed suit with a disciplined performance, defeating France 1-0 through a first-half goal from Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan defense, led by captain Romain Saïss, neutralized France's attacking threats, securing a famous win.
Impact on Group D
These results have thrown Group D wide open. France, who were favorites to top the group, now sit third with three points from two matches. Paraguay and Morocco lead with four points each, while the group's other team, Australia, has one point. France must win their final group match against Australia to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stages.
According to French coach Didier Deschamps, "We have let ourselves down. We need to regroup and focus on the next game. It's not over yet."
Reactions and Analysis
Football pundits have hailed the upsets as a sign of the growing competitiveness in world football. Paraguay's coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said, "This is a dream come true. Our players gave everything on the pitch." Morocco's coach Walid Regragui added, "We believed in ourselves and executed our game plan perfectly."
France's star player Kylian Mbappé expressed disappointment but remained optimistic: "We have to stay united and fight until the end. We still have a chance."
What's Next
France will face Australia in their final group match, needing a win to keep their hopes alive. Paraguay and Morocco will face each other, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the round of 16. The matches are scheduled for July 12, 2026.
