Paraguay’s 2026 sporting calendar reflects the country’s expanding role as both a regional and international host. With a wide range of competitions and institutional showcases scheduled throughout the year, the agenda reinforces Paraguay’s growing presence on the global sports stage. From elite tournaments to recreational races, 2026 offers opportunities for professional athletes and amateur participants alike.
Beyond individual disciplines, football continues to dominate Paraguay’s sporting landscape. At the same time, the country will host major international events and celebrate historic milestones. These include the second edition of the World Rally Championship round in August and its return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after 16 years. Together, these competitions reflect a nation where sport remains deeply embedded in culture, identity, and community life.
EXPO COP, an addition to Paraguay’s 2026 sporting calendar
From 26 to 29 March 2026, the Olympic Park in Luque, near Paraguay’s capital Asunción, will host the first edition of Expo COP. The event stands as one of the earliest major sport-related gatherings of the year. By bringing together sports institutions, federations, athletes, and organisers.
Expo COP focuses on infrastructure, policy coordination, and long-term development strategies. Visitors can expect exhibitions showcasing sports technology, training methodologies, and organisational best practice. Educational talks, networking opportunities, and institutional presentations aim to strengthen Paraguay’s preparation for hosting major competitions, including the ASU 2031 Pan American Games. While not a competitive event, Expo COP plays a key role in shaping the country’s sporting ecosystem and strategic planning.
National and international running events
Recreational races remain central to Paraguay’s grassroots sporting culture, attracting runners of all ages and abilities. These events combine competition with community engagement, often incorporating charity initiatives, cultural activities, and family-friendly experiences.
On 10 May, the Asunción Half Marathon will take place in the capital. While on 26 July, the running event Tape Porã Run in Ciudad del Este. On 30 August, the International Asunción Marathon will welcome runners from around the world.
Later in the year, on 11 November, the Half Asphalt Marathon will be staged in Encarnación. Together, these races highlight the country’s commitment to mass participation and endurance sport development.
Cycling sports
On 28 and 29 May, Paraguay will host the 2026 America Track Cycling Cup at the velodrome of the Paraguayan Olympic Park in Luque. The competition will gather top regional cyclists in events focused on speed, endurance, and tactical racing. Disciplines such as sprint, pursuit, and points races provide athletes with opportunities to gain ranking points and prepare for international tournaments.
Throughout the year, the Mountain Bike Championship also stands out across various natural circuits nationwide. With the season already underway, having kicked off in San Bernardino, MTB continues to grow in popularity. Beyond competition, the championship showcases Paraguay’s rural landscapes and promotes eco-tourism and sustainable sporting practices.
National Bodybuilding Championship
Adding to Paraguay’s 2026 sporting calendar, the Mr & Ms Paraguay National Championship, the country’s most important bodybuilding event, will be held on 22 August 2026 at the Teatro Guaraní in Asunción. Organised by the Paraguayan Bodybuilding Federation, the competition serves as a qualifying event for the South American Championship in Buenos Aires, with winners receiving support for travel, uniforms, and registration.
The event gathers athletes across multiple categories, including classic physique, fitness, and bikini divisions. The competition highlights discipline, nutrition, and athletic aesthetics, reflecting Paraguay’s expanding fitness culture and growing presence in physique sports.
World Skate Games 2026
Furthermore, to expand Paraguay´s sporting calendar even more, the World Skate Games will represent the largest sporting event hosted by Paraguay in 2026. Taking place from 30 September to 18 October, the multi-discipline tournament will include artistic skating, skateboarding, inline hockey, and speed skating. More than 10,000 athletes from over 100 countries are expected to participate.
The Games will be staged primarily in Asunción, with venues including the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, the National Sports Secretariat, the Costanera, and the Port of Asunción. Additional related events will also take place in San Bernardino and Altos. Beyond competition, organisers anticipate a significant tourism impact, youth engagement, and cultural exchange, further consolidating Paraguay’s international sporting reputation.
World Rally Championship
After a successful first edition in 2025, Rally del Paraguay is set to return from 27 to 30 August 2026. The rally will once again take place in the department of Itapúa, centred on Encarnación and its surrounding areas. Organisers have indicated a stronger focus on an Encarnación-centred route this year, including asphalt sections.
The event features demanding stages, scenic landscapes, and strong fan participation. The Rally boosts regional tourism while reinforcing Paraguay’s position within international motorsport circuits, building on the country’s historic rally tradition.
National and international football in Paraguay´s sporting calendar
Last but not least, Paraguay’s sporting calendar has its major contributor. Throughout 2026, Paraguayan domestic football will continue to command national attention. The Apertura tournament is already underway, with major clubs such as Club Olimpia, Cerro Porteño, and Club Libertad competing not only for domestic honours but also in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
Later in the year, the Copa Paraguay will once again unite clubs from across the country, offering smaller teams the opportunity to face traditional powerhouses and produce memorable stories of resilience and ambition.
Internationally, the national team carries the hopes of Paraguayan supporters as it prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament, beginning in June, marks Paraguay’s return to football’s biggest stage after 16 years. Qualification has reignited national enthusiasm and positioned the World Cup as one of the defining sporting moments of the year.
Paraguay’s 2026 sporting calendar
Paraguay’s 2026 sporting calendar demonstrates a multidimensional sporting ecosystem in which grassroots participation, elite performance, and institutional development coexist. From Expo COP’s strategic discussions to global competitions such as the World Skate Games and the World Cup, each event contributes to a broader narrative of growth. As the year progresses, Paraguay will not only host competitions but also consolidate its image as an emerging regional sports hub.
