​Follow our live updates for the France vs. Morocco match. Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal in France’s 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, while Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla drew sharp criticism for racist remarks made on social media after the game. The Philadelphia showdown was fierce, with several confrontations erupting between the teams. After the final whistle, a clash occurred between Mbappé and Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, who threw the ball in Mbappé’s direction.
Mbappé had already established himself as a standout for France at the tournament, and these moments captured his most memorable runs and plays on the field. In the Group I match against Iraq in Philadelphia on June 22, 2026, Mbappé was again in the spotlight, showcasing his speed and control as he surged past Iraq’s midfielder Zaid Ismael.
Gill later explained, saying, “I tried to shake his hand, but since he didn’t pay me any attention, I lost my temper.” The incident and subsequent online reactions prompted a closer look at Amarilla’s comments and Mbappé’s response, including his reference to her as a “despicable woman.”
Amarilla’s racist posts were published on her X account, with several messages later removed. In one post, she criticized Mbappé, implying he did not deserve respect and described him in demeaning terms, and in another, she urged someone named Orlando Gill to show him the middle finger, boasting that she does so in her role in the senate and sees no consequences. In a separate message, she attempted to frame Mbappé with a nationalist and racialized portrayal, saying he was “colonized,” camouflaged as French, and insinuating arrogance and failure, claiming his team won by luck and that Mbappé displayed nervousness and fear throughout the match.
Mbappé did not remain silent in the face of the abuse. He responded with a pointed statement on social media, addressing Amarilla directly: “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, a country that has shown passion and honor throughout this competition. Through your recklessness and brazen racism, the world has already forgotten the journey and the historic efforts that your players achieved in this World Cup, setting an example for a country that deserves better. I will not tolerate the spread of hatred and racism.” His message underscored his refusal to let such remarks define the sport’s spirit.
As the tournament moved forward, France prepared to face Morocco in the quarterfinals on Thursday, July 9. Paraguay’s government subsequently stated, on July 6, that Amarilla’s comments ran counter to the country’s values and principles. The following day, French prosecutors opened an investigation after the French Football Federation referred the case to authorities. On July 7, Amarilla issued an open letter requesting Mbappé’s apology, insisting she regretted using the racist insults while adding in an interview the same day that she sought recognition for the need to address the incident more broadly. The controversy highlighted the ongoing need to address racism in sport and the responsibilities of public officials and players alike to uphold respectful conduct, both on and off the field.