Mbappé: 'If We Have to Get Our Hands Dirty, We'll Do It'

France advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup with a gritty 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal of the match and delivered a fiery post-game statement. "We knew Paraguay would be aggressive and leave us little space. But this team knows how to fight. If we have to get our hands dirty, we'll do it. The only thing that matters is the result," the forward said. France dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Paraguayan defense. Mbappé finally unlocked it in the 67th minute, picking up the ball on the left flank, cutting inside, and unleashing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper. It was his fifth goal of the tournament. Paraguay pushed for an equalizer late on, but the French backline – led by Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba – held firm. Didier Deschamps' side now turns its attention to the quarterfinal clash.