Paraguay’s short-stature footballers proved once again that height is no barrier to passion or quality, clinching the Short-Stature Copa América (Copa América de Talla Baja) title on home soil with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over rivals Argentina. The final, played at the Polideportivo Ueno COP Arena within the Secretaría Nacional de Deportes in Asunción, ended 4-4 after regular and extra time.
Paraguay then dominated the penalty shootout, winning 3-0 to lift the trophy and deny Argentina a second consecutive title. The match was a fitting climax to a tournament that showcased the skill, determination and entertainment value of short-stature football, a discipline that continues to grow in visibility across the region.
What is short-stature footbal?
Short-stature football is a version of the game specifically created for players with dwarfism or who are of very short stature, typically under 1.45-1.50 meters tall. It follows standard 11-a-side football rules on a full-size pitch, but includes adaptations such as a smaller goal (around 4 meters wide × 1.5 metres high), and a prohibition on players deliberately using their head to play the ball, to reduce injury risk.
Short-stature football is widely praised for its competitiveness, technical quality and role in promoting inclusion.
Dominant path to the final
Paraguay’s campaign was nothing short of spectacular. They opened with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bolivia before producing a series of crushing victories: 23-1 against Japan, 11-1 over Chile, 12-1 against the United States and 11-1 versus Guatemala.
The semi-final proved slightly closer, but Paraguay still dispatched Brazil 5-2 to set up a showdown with defending champions Argentina.
Short-Stature Copa América: Drama until the final whistle
The final itself was end-to-end entertainment. Paraguay fought back repeatedly to force extra time, only to concede late in the additional period. Undeterred, they held their nerve in the shootout, converting all three of their penalties while Argentina failed to find the net.
A victory beyond the scoreline
The triumph is Paraguay’s first Copa América title in the short-stature category and represents far more than a sporting achievement. It highlights the competitiveness and appeal of the discipline, reinforcing its status as an inclusive sport that inspires players and fans alike, regardless of physical stature.
Earlier this year, another Paraguayan national team was crowned champion: of the CONMEBOL U-17 Women’s Championship 2025, also for the first time in history.
