French World Cup winner Dugarry says Paraguay will be 'humiliated' in last-16 clash

Christophe Dugarry, a member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad, has sparked controversy by claiming Paraguay will be humiliated in their round-of-16 match against France at the 2026 World Cup. Source: clarin In an interview on the French radio program "Rothen s'enflamme" on RMC, Dugarry criticized Paraguay's offensive capabilities, calling them "catastrophic" and predicting a heavy defeat. Source: emolcl He argued that even Sweden, with players worth €100 million, could not trouble France, so Paraguay stands no chance. Source: lavozar The host Jérôme Rothen attempted to temper the remarks, noting that France is the team to beat but knockout matches can be unpredictable. Source: clarin

Reactions and History

Paraguay, having eliminated Germany in the previous round, responded through former goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert, who sarcastically referenced the 1998 match and alluded to France's diverse squad. Source: emolcl The two teams have history, including a 1998 extra-time loss for Paraguay and a 7-3 French victory in 1958. Source: emolcl The match is set for Saturday in Philadelphia, with France as clear favorites but Paraguay hoping to cause an upset.