After the end of the international break, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, updated its FIFA ranking. Paraguay has moved up five places, now at #48! These two weeks of international matches were used as World Cup qualifier matches. The next cup is in 2026, in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
FIFA Ranking For South America
Here is the updated FIFA ranking for South America:
Argentina – 1
Brazil – 5
Uruguay – 13
Colombia – 14
Ecuador – 24
Peru – 42
Venezuela – 47
Paraguay – 48
Chile – 52
Bolivia – 80
For those who are wondering where are Guyana and Suriname in the FIFA ranking, they are considered Caribbean countries per FIFA standard. It means they are playing with countries of North America, in the CONCACAF.
Paraguay – Chile
What helped the FIFA ranking is the game Paraguay played against Chile on March 20th. A stunner from Omar Alderete led the Albirroja to a 1-0 win. It was a great defensive game and the goal from El Muro de Asunción was very needed. It was as well a very good game for goaltender Roberto Fernández, who got a clean sheet. Fans in the Centro walked in front of the Panteón de Los Heroes, which is at the corner of Avenida Chile, to celebrate the victory and try to remove the street sign!
Paraguay – Colombia
Last week Paraguay got a 2-2 draw against Colombia. La Albirroja was losing 2-0 early on before the goal of Júnior Alonso at 45+4. At the 62nd minutes, Paraguay equalised with a beautiful goal from Julio Enciso. Most of the fans were afraid the goal would be allowed due to offside, but after a look at VAR, – the official review system – the goal was confirmed. It sent the whole country in a frenzy, with fireworks everywhere! Not losing the game also helped with the FIFA ranking.
The Gustavo Alfaro Effect
What helps the National Team climbing in the FIFA ranking is coach Gustavo Alfaro. Since joining the club, the team has not lost yet in 8 games. They have four wins and four ties. He previously coach Ecuador for the World Cup in Qatar and coached Costa Rica for CONCACAF tournament, but never had as much success.
Next National Team Games Can Help For The FIFA Ranking
The National Team is playing next against Uruguay on the 4th of June and Brazil on the 9th. Two extremely important games to maintain Gustavo Alfaro’s legacy, to climb the South American World Cup qualifier standings, and climb the FIFA ranking list. In 14 games so far, Paraguay is 5th with 21 points. Uruguay is third with the same number of points, but based on goals (plus/minus), the Albirroja is 5th. Ecuador is 2nd with 23 points, which means that rank is reachable. Argentina is leading the pack with 31 points, while Brazil is 4th with 21. The latter team just fired their coach for underperforming.
¡Viva La Albirroja!
