Mbappé’s Penalty Lifts France Past Gritty Paraguay in Philadelphia Sauna

France survived a brutally physical encounter and sweltering heat in Philadelphia to edge Paraguay 1-0 in an international friendly. Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after he was fouled inside the box. Didier Deschamps’ side struggled to find rhythm against a well-organized and aggressive Paraguayan defense that left little space. The South Americans were not afraid to mix it up, picking up several fouls but also forcing France into uncharacteristic errors. The first half was a grind, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested. After the break, Mbappé injected urgency — his pace drew a clumsy challenge, and the referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. The French captain sent the keeper the wrong way with a composed finish. Paraguay pushed for an equalizer and came close through Miguel Almirón, but Mike Maignan was sharp to deny him. France weathered the storm and saw out the win despite bookings for Bradley Barcola, Manu Koné, and Michael Olise. Lineups: Paraguay: Gil – Cáceres, Velázquez, G. Gómez (Maurício, 71), Alderete (Canale, 58), Alonso – D. Gómez, Cubas, Galarza, Almirón (Ávalos, 72) – Enciso (Caballero, 61). France: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Koné, Rabiot – Dembélé (Cherki, 84), Olise, Barcola (Doué, 61) – Mbappé.