Girasoles and Giant Killers: How Paraguay won the internet and have nothing to lose against France

Last Updated on 4 July 2026

Nobody expected Paraguay to still be here. They returned to a World Cup for the first time in 16 years and knocked out Germany in a penalty shootout they nearly threw away twice.

Then, somehow managed to make the entire internet fall in love with them in the process. On Saturday in Atlanta, they face a France side widely considered the World Cup’s most complete team.

However, the world has already decided who it is supporting.

A Paraguayan TikTok that has built an army ready to fight France

Rozalen’s “Girasoles”, “Tienes en los ojos girasoles,” meaning “You have sunflowers in your eyes” became the unofficial soundtrack of Paraguay’s World Cup campaign on TikTok, with hundreds of thousands of views attached to fan content using it throughout the tournament.

Initially, it was Naiel Aguilera, known online as Paraguayita, became a global social media star after cameras caught her cheering during the Turkey win. But then, it a video from TikTok of Paraguayan girls celebrating the Germany win to the same soundtrack went crazy viral.

Even journalists are surprised with the outpouring of love for this small nation in South America. But, as far as social media is concerned, a catchy song and a nice celebration is all it needs, instead of pure patriotism.

Can Paraguay do it again and would it be the biggest upset in World Cup history?

The cold reality of Saturday’s fixture is that France are formidable. Kylian Mbappe’s side are looking like the favourites to win the entire World Cup 2026. They won all three group games and dispatched Sweden, comfortably, in the Round of 32.

Their squad has no weakness, Mbappe and Dembele in attack, a dominant midfield, and a defence that has conceded just twice in four matches. France are ranked fourth in the world. Paraguay sit 31 places below Germany: the side they just eliminated.

If Paraguay win, it does not merely rank as the biggest upset of this tournament. It ranks as one of the most seismic results in history. Germany in the Round of 32 was extraordinary, leading to a managerial change. France in the Round of 16 would be something else entirely.

But the sunflowers are blooming, the TikToks are uploading, and an entire planet of neutral fans is singing along. In a World Cup that has repeatedly refused to follow the script, Paraguay have already proved that logic is optional. Saturday could be the moment they prove it again.