Paraguay legend sparks fury with 'Africa' remark ahead of France's World Cup clash
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- José Luis Chilavert sparked controversy with an "Africa" remark about France.
- Christophe Dugarry predicted France would comfortably beat Paraguay.
- France enter the last-16 tie as clear favourites despite Paraguay's surprise run.
The former goalkeeper, now 60, responded to comments made by ex-France forward Christophe Dugarry, who predicted that Paraguay would be comfortably beaten when the two sides meet in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Chilavert ignites backlash with a controversial remark
Dugarry, a member of France's 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, had little doubt about the outcome of the knockout tie.Paraguay will be thrashed, humiliated. They will want to defend because they are incapable. Incapable. I say it twice to make it clear. Offensively, they are catastrophic.His assessment quickly reached Chilavert, who shared a screenshot of the remarks on social media alongside a message that has since sparked widespread criticism.
Christophe, you're right. In 1998 we faced the French, and now Paraguay will face a squad from Africa.
@lequipe @ABCDigital @UltimaHoracom Christophe tienes razón,en el mundial del 98 enfrentamos a los Franceses y ahora Py enfrentará a una Selección de África. pic.twitter.com/X0DwYEW81p
— José Luis FelixChilavert Gonzalez (@JoseLChilavert_) July 3, 2026
The French Football Federation did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
War of words before a high-stakes encounter
The exchange has added extra tension ahead of one of the standout fixtures in the Round of 16.Paraguay reached the knockout stage after producing one of the tournament's biggest surprises, eliminating Germany on penalties following a disciplined defensive display in Boston.
France, meanwhile, progressed in emphatic fashion after sweeping aside Sweden, reinforcing their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Whilst Paraguay have earned praise for their resilience and defensive organisation under Gustavo Alfaro, they face a far sterner examination against a France side packed with attacking talent and arriving full of confidence.
Much of Paraguay's success so far has been built on compact defending and taking limited opportunities in front of goal. Repeating that formula against Les Bleus will require another near-flawless performance.
France remain strong favourites
France will now head into Saturday's contest with added motivation following Chilavert's comments.Deschamps' side boast one of the tournament's most balanced squads, combining defensive solidity with an array of attacking options capable of deciding matches in an instant.
For Paraguay to produce another upset, they will likely need both an exceptional defensive display and a rare off-day from France's forwards.
Should Alfaro's side overcome the odds, it would rank among the most memorable shocks of the 2026 World Cup.
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