World Cup 2026: Leboeuf Slams Paraguay’s Defensive Approach After France Victory

Former France defender Frank Leboeuf has strongly criticised Paraguay's style of play following their 1-0 defeat to France in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

France, managed by Didier Deschamps, dominated proceedings in Philadelphia, controlling 76 per cent possession and outshooting Paraguay by a wide margin. Les Bleus registered five shots on target, while Paraguay managed just one throughout the contest.

Despite their defensive resilience, Paraguay's resistance was eventually broken in the 70th minute when substitute Désiré Doué won a penalty, which captain Kylian Mbappé calmly converted to seal France's place in the quarter-finals.

Reacting after the match, Leboeuf did not hide his frustration with Paraguay's tactics.

"It's impossible to play against a team like that. They refused to play.

"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.

"They didn't offer anything. They just defend, 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."

France will now face African champions Morocco in the quarter-finals after the Atlas Lions secured an impressive 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

Opinion

Leboeuf's frustration is understandable from the perspective of a former attacking defender and a supporter of expansive football. However, describing Paraguay's approach as "refusing to play" may overlook the reality faced by underdogs in international tournaments.

Against technically superior opponents like France, many teams rely on defensive organisation and discipline to stay competitive. While Paraguay created very little going forward, their game plan kept France at bay for 70 minutes and almost forced the match into its closing stages without conceding.

The World Cup has always showcased different football philosophies. While attacking football is often more entertaining, pragmatic tactics are equally part of the game's rich tactical landscape. Success in tournament football is not always about dominating possession—it is often about maximising a team's strengths against stronger opposition.