Players of the Paraguayan national football steam arrived home after their notable participation in the 2026 World Cup. A large crowd gathered at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Luque, near Asunción, in the early morning hours to welcome the players. Family, friends, and supporters of all ages came to celebrate the team, known as La Albirroja (The White and Red). The team’s 2026 World Cup campaign, marked by its characteristic fighting spirit, has built Paraguay’s sense of national pride.
The reception was reminiscent of the national celebration that occurred upon the team’s return from the 2010 World Cup. Despite a hard-fought elimination by France in the Round of 16, which led to international criticism over the hard-playing style of La Albirroja, the team’s 2026 campaign is being celebrated as a major success in Paraguay. The team departed the tournament having left an impression on the international stage, notably by orchestrating one of the World Cup’s biggest surprises when they eliminated Germany in the round of 32.
This achievement has created a wave of optimism throughout the country and is seen as laying a strong foundation for the 2030 World Cup, which Paraguay will co-host.
A coach’s reflection on the 2026 World Cup campaign
Manager Gustavo Alfaro spoke about the unique energy that surrounded the team throughout its journey. He described a change that began early in the qualifying stages. Alfaro recalled how this feeling of renewed hope became tangible during the build-up to their first World Cup qualifying match against Brazil, when tickets were completely sold out well in advance. He saw it as a clear sign of the nation’s reawakened belief in its team.
Alfaro also made a point to praise his players for their dedication. He highlighted the many sacrifices they made, many of which were not public knowledge, but were essential to their success. Furthermore, he extended his gratitude to the players who contributed during the qualification process, but were not ultimately selected for the final 26-man squad for the World Cup.
The players as true architects
The manager emphasised that the accomplishment was a collective effort and attributed the success directly to the players. He referred to them as the heart of the team and the ones responsible for restoring the nation’s footballing identity.
“You have no idea the number of things these boys have done to make this a reality. We achieved this together and I want to deeply thank the players who are the true architects,”Alfaro said. “There were a lot of lads who unfortunately did not have the chance to go to the World Cup, but they gave us a very important hand so that we could experience this reality. I want to thank them profoundly because it is the most genuine heart that this team has, that of recovering the things that had always defined this country.”
A message of unity and belief
Alfaro, who has earned the nickname ‘Hunter of Impossible Utopias’, stated that the 2026 World Cup campaign demonstrated a powerful truth. He asserted that when the people of Paraguay are united, no goal is unattainable. He called on the public to cherish and build upon the spirit that the players had successfully re-ignited on the world stage.
“If these boys and you, the Paraguayan people, have taught me anything, it is that impossibles do not exist,”Alfaro continued. “There are a lot of challenges ahead, things that must be tried, achieved, conquered, and worked for. Defend this, this flame that these boys have re-ignited and show the world that Paraguay is on its feet and that it has a destiny of greatness.”
Putting Paraguay back on the map
The team’s captain, Gustavo Gómez, echoed the manager’s positive sentiments. He declared that their 2026 World Cup campaign performance was a victory in its own right, defined by their relentless effort and spirit. Gómez stressed that a primary goal had been accomplished by their performance in the tournament.
“We fought until the end and that is our true victory. We put Paraguay back on the map, that was always our objective,” Gómez stated.
Presidential reception honours the team
Following their airport arrival, President of the Republic Santiago Peña officially received the squad. The president thanked the players for representing Paraguay with honour and for showcasing the nation’s renowned garra guaraní (Guaraní grit) in every match they played. Peña spoke of the immense pride the team had brought to the country.
“Thank you for demonstrating the Guaraní grit in every match and for defending our flag with your soul. That courage and never giving up against any rival is who we are,” President Peña said. “Today we come to say thank you, with the affection of an entire nation that vibrated during the World Cup supporting you. Today, thanks to you, the Albirrojos, we are back, with our tricolour among the best and the pride of having left everything on the pitch.”
