France manager Didier Deschamps has warned his players to remain vigilant and not underestimate Paraguay as they prepare for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match in Philadelphia. Deschamps emphasized the importance of staying focused ahead of the crucial encounter.

Millions in France are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in places like Rennes. The national weather service, Meteo France, has issued a red heat wave alert for 54 departments, indicating exceptionally high temperatures that are expected to persist. This situation poses challenges, especially in a country where air-conditioning is not widespread, affecting daily life and schools.

France has reported 2,025 excess deaths during the peak of a recent heatwave, as forecasters predict more extreme temperatures across Europe in the coming days, according to BBC World.

Live coverage and text commentary are being provided as France, led by star player Kylian Mbappe, competes against Paraguay in the Round of 16 knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Red heat alerts have been issued in France, Italy, and Spain as temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius. According to the forecast, heatwave conditions are set to intensify in the coming days across central and western Europe.

France is preparing for another day of extreme heat as a heatwave is anticipated to spread across western Europe on Wednesday, with projections indicating it will extend eastwards over the weekend, according to BBC World.