France suffered a significant blow hours before their decisive match against Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, after Aurelien Tchouameni's absence was confirmed due to a thigh injury, with Manu Kone set to replace him in midfield.

French network RMC reported, citing sources close to the French national team, that Tchouameni sustained the injury on the eve of the match, as the vice-captain felt pain in his thigh during training on Friday, and therefore will miss the Round of 16 match against Paraguay on Saturday in Philadelphia.

The Real Madrid player's absence is currently estimated at around 4 days, and if all goes well, he is expected to return for the quarter-final match scheduled for July 9, should the team advance.

The coaching staff led by Didier Deschamps will closely monitor Tchouameni's condition, while Manu Kone is likely to replace him in midfield, a forced change that could affect the balance of the French team.

The expected French lineup after Tchouameni's withdrawal is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Maignan

Defense: Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne.

Midfield: Kone, Rabiot, Olise

Attack: Dembele, Barcola, Kylian Mbappe.