Former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert has sparked outrage after making racist comments about the France national team just hours before their World Cup last-16 clash. France have been in sensational form, scoring 13 goals in four games, with their attack of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, and Kylian Mbappe dazzling opponents. They face Paraguay tonight after the South Americans beat Germany on penalties.
Chilavert's offensive social media post
Chilavert responded to former France forward Christophe Dugarry, who had predicted 'a beating' for Paraguay and criticised their defensive tactics. Chilavert wrote: 'Christophe, you're right, at the 1998 World Cup we faced the French and now Paraguay will face an African team.' The comment implies that France's players, many of whom have African heritage, are not truly French.
This is not Chilavert's first offensive outburst. In 2024, he called Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr a homophobic slur after the player cried discussing racist abuse in Spain.
France's 2022 runner-up finish and racist song controversy
France were runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, losing to Argentina on penalties. Six months later, after Argentina beat Colombia in the Copa America final, video emerged of Argentine players singing a racist song about French players with African heritage.
France coach Didier Deschamps dismissed the heat ahead of the game, with temperatures expected to reach 38°C in Philadelphia. 'It is something we need to take into account, but I think every team has prepared for it,' he said.
