2026 World Cup: ‘They Refused To Play, Offered Nothing’ — Leboeuf Slams Paraguay

Former France defender Frank Leboeuf has criticised Paraguay’s approach following their 1-0 defeat to France in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing the South American side of refusing to play attacking football.

France dominated proceedings in Saturday’s encounter in Philadelphia, controlling 76 per cent of possession and outshooting Paraguay by a wide margin. Didier Deschamps’ men registered ten times more attempts on goal and forced far more saves than their opponents.

Despite France’s dominance, Paraguay frustrated the two-time world champions for much of the contest with a disciplined defensive display. The breakthrough eventually came in the 70th minute when substitute Desire Doue was fouled inside the penalty area, allowing captain Kylian Mbappe to convert from the spot.

Reacting after the match, Leboeuf, who was part of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad under Deschamps, expressed disappointment with Paraguay’s tactics.

“It’s impossible to play against a team like that. They refused to play,” Leboeuf said.

“I’m fed up with that football. That team was everything I hate about football, and that’s unfair to the World Cup. That’s unfair to their fans.”

He added that Paraguay offered little going forward throughout the encounter.

“They didn’t offer anything. They just defend and keep the ball high. We knew that as soon as France scored, it was over because there was nothing to be offered by the Paraguay team,” he said.

The victory secured France’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face African champions Morocco.

Morocco booked their place in the last eight after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

The quarter-final clash between France and Morocco is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.