France coach Didier Deschamps has sounded a note of caution ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash with Paraguay in Philadelphia, urging his players to treat the South American outfit with full respect.

Deschamps dismissed any suggestion of complacency, pointing to Paraguay's run to the knockout stage — including a famous upset over Germany — as evidence of a team with genuine quality. He reserved particular praise for the individual talent of Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón, describing Paraguay as a side that knows its football and executes it well.

A familiar foe with familiar qualities

The France manager drew on his own memories of a previous World Cup encounter between the two nations, reminding observers that Paraguay's competitive spirit is nothing new.