Paraguay vs France squad comparison: Market values and most expensive players

Paraguay and France meet at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in one of the most anticipated 2026 World Cup second-round knockout fixtures.

The Guaranies secured their spot in the last 16 by becoming the first team ever to beat Germany on penalties at a World Cup fixture. They made it through Group A consisting of co-hosts USA, Turkey and Australia.

Meanwhile, the Bleus are arguably the most rampant side at the finals, and are favourites to win their third World Cup title. They finished top of Group I – the group of death with Senegal Norway and Iraq.

The two sides have met five times before, including twice in World Cup fixtures. France won 7-3 at the 1958 edition, before beating them 1-0 in the round of 16 enroute their first-ever title in 1998.

Their most recent meeting was a 5-0 victory for France in a friendly in 2017. Since then, the squads have drastically changed. Discover how they compare in terms of their most and least valuable squad players.

Paraguay vs France squad value comparison

*all values from Transfermarkt

Paraguay's total squad value is €153.7m (£131.7m), ranking them 30th in terms of all World Cup 2026 squads.

In contrast, France's total squad value is €1.52b (£1.3b). That makes them the most valuable squad, not only in this World Cup, but also in history.

Paraguay vs France most valuable players

Paraguay's three most valuable squad players are Julio Enciso (€25m/£21.4m), Diego Gomez (€25m/£21.4m) & Mauricio (€15m/£12.9m). All three players have been instrumental for Gustavo Alfaro at the tournament.

France's three most valuable squad players are Kylian Mbappe (€180m/£154.2m), Michael Olise (€150m/£128.5m) and Desire Doue (€120m/£102.8m). The former two make up the list of the top-five most expensive players in the world.

Paraguay vs. France least valuable players

Paraguay's three least valuable squad players are Roberto Fernandez (€100k/£85.7m), Gustavo Velazquez (€400k/£342.6m) and Gaston Olveira (€500k/£428.3m). Only Velazquez has appeared in all four matches for Paraguay at the World Cup, starting one against Australia.

France's three least valuable squad players are N’Golo Kante (€4m/£3.5m), Lucas Digne (€6m/£5.1m) & Brice Samba (€7m/£6m). Samba is yet to appear. Digne is a starter, while Kante has been used occasionally.

Paraguay vs France: Transfer records

Paraguay's most expensive player is Miguel Almiron, who moved to Newcastle United from Atlanta United in 2019 for €24m (£20.6m).

France's most expensive player is Mbappe, who transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from AS Monaco  in 2018 for €180m (£154.2m).