Tchouaméni Out for France vs Paraguay Due to Hip Issue

France will be without a key midfield anchor as they prepare for their World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Paraguay. Aurélien Tchouaméni has been ruled out of the match after feeling discomfort in his hip during training, according to RMC Sport. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder picked up the injury in a session ahead of the game at Philadelphia Stadium in the United States. His expected recovery time is around four days, meaning he could be available for the quarterfinals if Didier Deschamps' side advance. RMC Sport reports that central midfielder Manu Koné will take Tchouaméni's place in the starting lineup. The 23-year-old will get a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage, stepping into the role of screen in front of the defense. France go into the match as heavy favorites, but losing a player of Tchouaméni's caliber—especially one who reads the game so well—could give Paraguay a glimmer of hope. La Albirroja will look to exploit any gaps in the midfield, knowing that Koné, for all his promise, lacks the same level of big-game experience.