Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal as France advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Saturday. The match, held in Philadelphia under extreme heat conditions with temperatures nearing 100 degrees, saw France secure a place in the last eight for the fourth consecutive tournament.

Mbappé’s goal came in the 70th minute from a penalty awarded after a video review determined that Paraguay’s Diego Gomez had fouled him by tripping. The French forward converted the spot-kick with his characteristic stutter step, marking his 19th career World Cup goal in 19 appearances—just one shy of the all-time record held by Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Mbappé and Messi currently share the lead for the Golden Boot this tournament with seven goals apiece. Mbappé had previously won the award four years ago in Qatar, though France fell to Argentina in the final.

Despite the hostile weather and a physical, defense-oriented Paraguayan team, France managed to maintain control throughout the match. The Paraguayan defense, focused on disrupting France’s offense, limited clear scoring opportunities. Mbappé had a breakaway chance in the second half but was unable to convert. Midfielder Manu Koné also tested the Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill with a shot aimed at the top corner, but the effort was saved. Earlier, Koné was downed near the goal by Ousmane Dembélé, who inadvertently entangled himself in the netting.

Gill proved a resilient presence for Paraguay, denying two additional strong attempts by Mbappé during stoppage time, as France held on for the win. The victory sets up a quarterfinal match against Morocco, scheduled for Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The game took place on the United States' Independence Day, with France’s supporters dressed in red, white, and blue adding a patriotic atmosphere in the city recognized as the birthplace of American liberty 250 years ago.