After 15 long years of waiting for another chance, the Albirroja, Paraguay’s national football team – will be returning to the World Cup! The team drew 0-0 against Ecuador on Thursday evening in Asunción before an audience of 42,000 people at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium. The Albirroja needed only one point to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Things promised things due, this Friday is declared a public holiday by Paraguay’s President, Santiago Peña.
The Asunción Times was present around Asunción on Thursday evening to take the pulse of the fans.
Albirroja watch parties
Numerous watch parties were organised across Asunción and throughout Paraguay to witness the Albirroja qualify for the World Cup. In addition to shopping centres, two designated areas provided large screens for viewing the match.
In Carmelitas in Asunción, thousands of enthusiastic spectators gathered to watch the national team play. As a younger audience, not all recalled the successful team from 2010. In the city centre, the match was displayed on several streets, with the largest gathering occurring around the Pantheon of the Heroes.
Thousands of people congregated in the area to view the game. Security was heightened in all locations where the match was shown. Paramedics were present as a precautionary measure. Fireworks, music, food, drinks, and additional toilets accompanied the expanding crowd cheering on the Albirroja.
McDonald’s was also present to give hamburgers to people present. On the musical side, Kchiporros was present to level the party in Centro.
Pulse from the fans
The Asunción Times was present around the city. Although some were disappointed that Paraguay did not score any goals this evening, all were delighted with the World Cup qualification.
Valentín, a young supporter from Asunción, stated: “I could not be more delighted that the Albirroja is going to the World Cup! Last time, I was not yet born. Now it is my opportunity to experience it and see them play! Let us go, Paraguay!”
Another enthusiastic supporter, Osvaldo from San Lorenzo, remarked: “It is a historic moment! We have been awaiting this for fifteen years, and for us Paraguayans, we are immensely proud of our football! It is time to celebrate with friends and family, as Paraguay is going to the World Cup!”
The Asunción Times also encountered two emotional young fans from Ñemby. Sebastián declared: “It is madness! And I sincerely hope for more to come!” His brother Eduardo added: “The match against Ecuador is more than a draw. It is a formidable Albirroja team with a proud nation heading to the World Cup!”
2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The final will be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This stadium is home of the New York Jets and New York Giants in the National Football League.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to expand from 32 to 48 teams. Paraguay joins Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay as qualified members of Conmebol. Although qualified, the Albirroja will play its final match next Tuesday in Lima against Peru.
To follow the national team in its pursuit of the World Cup, check the Albirroja on Instagram.
