Miguel Almirón is expected to play for Paraguay against France in today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match.
The Paraguay star is projected to return to his usual attacking role on the right side, where his pace, pressing and creativity could be crucial against one of the tournament favorites. Paraguay face France on Saturday, July 4, at 5:00 p.m. ET at Philadelphia Stadium, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals against Morocco.
Is Miguel Almirón playing today vs France?
Yes, based on the latest available team news, Almirón is expected to be available and in contention to start for Paraguay against France.
There are currently no reported injury concerns or suspension issues expected to keep Almirón out of the Round of 16 match. That makes him one of Paraguay’s key attacking options as they look to pull off another major upset in the knockout stage.
Miguel Almirón’s role for Paraguay
Almirón is expected to operate on the right side of Paraguay’s attack, likely forming part of a counterattacking setup alongside Julio Enciso. Against France, Paraguay will likely need to defend for long stretches, stay compact and use Almirón’s speed in transition whenever space opens up.
His ability to carry the ball forward, draw defenders and create chances could be one of Paraguay’s best routes to goal against a talented French side.
Why Almirón is important vs France
France will likely control possession for much of the match, which means Paraguay’s wide players must be efficient when chances come. Almirón gives Paraguay an experienced outlet who can stretch the field and turn defensive stops into quick attacks.
If Paraguay are going to trouble France, Almirón’s decision-making in the final third could be decisive.
Paraguay vs France match details
- Match: Paraguay vs France
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16
- Date: Saturday, July 4
- Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- What’s at stake: The winner advances to the quarterfinals to face Morocco.
Miguel Almirón’s 2026 World Cup journey
Almirón has been one of Paraguay’s veteran leaders throughout the tournament. The experienced midfielder has provided leadership, work rate, and attacking quality as Paraguay exceeded expectations by reaching the Round of 16.
Paraguay earned one of the biggest upsets of the knockout stage by eliminating Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout during the Round of 32. That victory set up Saturday’s showdown with France, one of the favorites to win the World Cup.
If Paraguay hope to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010, Almirón will likely need to play a significant role, whether through his ability to create chances, carry the ball on the counterattack, or provide the decisive moment in front of goal.
Can Paraguay upset France?
France enter the match as favorites thanks to their depth and attacking talent, but Paraguay have already shown they can compete with elite opponents. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro is expected to rely on a disciplined defensive approach before looking to exploit France on the counterattack through players like Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso.
With a place in the quarterfinals on the line, all eyes will be on whether Almirón can deliver another standout performance on one of football’s biggest stages.
Bottom line
Miguel Almirón is expected to play for Paraguay against France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. There are no reported injury or suspension concerns that would keep him out of the lineup, making him one of Paraguay’s most important players as they attempt another upset and chase a historic place in the World Cup quarterfinals.