Excitement is building across Paraguay as the final squad for the Paraguayan women’s national football team, or “Albirroja Femina”, has been revealed. Headcoach Fabio Fukumoto has announced the 23 footballers who will be representing Paraguay in the CONMEBOL Copa América 2025. The tournament kicks off in Ecuador at July 12, and the final will be played on August 2 in Quito. Let’s get behind the team as they embark on their journey!
Taking on the Copa América challenge
The Albirroja Femina are placed in Group B, alongside some formidable opponents: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia. The team’s first match is against Bolivia on Sunday, July 13, in the Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda in Quito. Afterwards, group stage matches against Colombia (July 19), Brazil (July 22), and Venezuela (July 25) await for Paraguay.
This year’s CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina offers not one, but two direct spots in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It also grants three direct tickets to the Lima 2027 Pan American Games. While it won’t serve as a qualifier for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, the Copa América offers a fantastic opportunity for players to shine on the international stage.
Meet the squad
Headcoach:
Fabio Fukumoto
Goalkeepers:
Cristina Recalde, Soledad Belotto, Araceli Leguizamón.
Players:
Camila Barboza, Naomi de León, Dahiana Bogarin, Maria Martinez, Daysi Ojeda, Fiorella Martínez, Daysi Bareiro, Camila Arrieta, Liz Barreto, Diana Garcete, Fanny Godoy.
Celeste Aguilera, Diney Ramos, Diana Benítez, Jessica Martínez, Belén Riveros, Fátima Acosta, Claudia Martínez, Ramona Martínez, Lice Chamorro.
Heartbreak in 2022
At the previous CONMEBOL Copa América, held in 2022 in Colombia, Paraguay advanced to the semi-finals after splendidly securing second place in the group stage. In the semi-final, eventual champions Brazil proved too formidable, defeating the Albirroja Femenina 2-0.
In the third-place play-off for the bronze medal, Paraguay faced another setback, losing 3-1 to Argentina. The score remained level at 1-1 until stoppage time, when two late Argentine goals left Paraguay heartbroken. Also reaching fourth place in 2006, the Albirroja Femina still awaits its first Copa America medal.
The future looks bright for the women, after Paraguay recently clinching the South American U-17 women’s football title.
