The Paraguayan women’s under-20 national team has made a formidable start to the CONMEBOL U20 Women’s Championship, securing a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Chile in their opening match. Playing on home soil, the Albirroja Femenina delivered a powerful performance in the Group A fixture.
The goals came from Maite Mussi, a brace from Claudia Martínez, and a final strike from Pamela Villalba, sealing a commanding win for the host nation. Consequently, the result places Paraguay in a strong position early in the tournament group stage.
Paraguay will face their next challenge at the CONMEBOL U20 Women’s Championship on Friday, 6 February 2026, when the team is scheduled to play against Uruguay at 18:00 at the Luis Alfonzo Giagni stadium in the city of Villa Elisa.
A commanding performance from the hosts
Paraguay asserted their dominance over Chile from the outset, controlling the game and creating numerous opportunities. The team’s clinical finishing was a key factor in their success, ensuring the three points. Claudia Martínez was particularly influential, finding the net twice to lead her team’s attacking efforts.
In a move that signals a seismic shift for Paraguayan women’s football, Claudia Martínez recently joined National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit. The transfer marks one of the most significant financial transactions in the history of the women’s game.
At just 18 years of age, Martínez arrives in the United States with a burgeoning reputation as a “goal-scoring machine.” Her success as a youth player translated seamlessly to the senior international stage during the 2025 Women’s Copa América in Ecuador. Martínez netted six goals in just five matches, finishing as the tournament’s joint-top scorer.
Paraguay’s line-up
The Paraguayan team, managed by Carlos Roma, lined up with Tamara Amarilla in goal. The defence consisted of Johana Medina, Ximena Moreno, Kiara Florentín, and Nayeli Torres. In midfield, the team featured Maite Mussi, Milagros Ortíz, Pamela Villalba, and Claudia Martínez, supporting a forward line of Luz Paiva and Diana Benítez.
Roma made several substitutions throughout the second half to manage the game. Diana Benítez was the first to be replaced, with Larissa Saldívar coming on. Shortly after, Milagros Ortíz made way for Luz Cardozo. A further change saw Erika Figueredo replace Kiara Florentín at the 59-minute mark. Finally, a double substitution in the 75th minute saw Daniela González and Nataly Lezcano enter the match for Pamela Villalba and Luz Paiva.
Venezuela also victorious in Group A opener
In the other Group A match, played at the Estadio Emiliano Ghezzi, Venezuela also began their campaign with a victory. They overcame Uruguay with a 2-0 scoreline, demonstrating their own credentials as contenders in the group. Both goals for the Venezuelan side were scored by Génesis Hernández.
The results from the opening round of fixtures mean that both Paraguay and Venezuela sit at the top of the Group A table with three points each, though Paraguay holds the advantage on goal difference.
