Désiré Doué Earns Penalty as Mbappé Scores to Free France

Désiré Doué forced a decisive penalty for France on 5 July 2026 in the World Cup round-of-16 against Paraguay, setting up Kylian Mbappé’s crucial goal that broke a long-lasting deadlock.

How did Doué win the penalty?

In the 65th minute, the PSG forward cut inside the Paraguayan box, only to be tripped on the ankle by a defender. After a brief VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot, confirming Doué’s claim on the spot. The foul came after more than an hour of France struggling against Paraguay’s low-block defence.

What happened after the spot-kick?

Mbappé stepped up, shielded by teammates like Ousmane Dembélé, and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. The goal, his seventh of the tournament, lifted him level with Lionel Messi atop the scoring chart. The strike gave France a much-needed lead and shifted the momentum.

Why does this matter for Doué’s profile?

Doué’s involvement highlighted his growing influence at Paris Saint-Germain and on the national stage. Earning a penalty in a high-pressure knockout match shows his ability to create chances against disciplined defences. The episode will likely boost his standing with coach Didier Deschamps and could translate into more starting opportunities in future fixtures.

What’s next for France and Doué?

France now faces the quarter-finals, with the squad hoping to build on the breakthrough. Doué’s performance may earn him a larger role as the team seeks to navigate tougher opponents. For the young midfielder, the spotlight from this moment could be a springboard toward a more prominent international career.