Paraguay’s Under-16 Football Team has won the gold medal in men’s football at the IV South American Youth Games in Panama. In a tense and closely fought final, the team defeated their rivals Argentina with a narrow 1-0 victory.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 49th minute. Forward Ángel González scored the solitary goal with a powerful strike from the left wing, breaking the deadlock and ultimately securing the championship for Paraguay.
A tightly contested final
The final, held at the Rommel Fernández Stadium, was a hard-fought affair from start to finish. Paraguay’s Under-16 football team saw several of its players receive yellow cards. Brahian Leguizamón was the first to be booked in the 24th minute, followed shortly after by Éver Corrales in the 29th minute.
Before half time, Fabricio Benítez also had his name taken by the Chilean referee in the 40th minute. The cautions continued in the second half, with goalkeeper Octavio Martínez being booked in the 77th minute and defender Nicolás Britos receiving a yellow card in the 90th minute.
More yellow cards, and red for Paraguay
Argentina’s players were not immune to disciplinary action either. Mateo Arrieta was cautioned early in the match, receiving a yellow card in the 12th minute. His teammate, Gabriel Lovato, was also booked in the 24th minute.
The most significant disciplinary action of the match, however, was a red card shown to a Paraguayan player. Substitute Santiago Báez was sent off in the 85th minute, forcing Paraguay to defend their one-goal advantage with only ten men for the remainder of the game.
The victorious Paraguayan team, lead by of coach Wilfrido Bazán, lined up with Octavio Martínez in goal. The defence consisted of Jhosías Núñez, Oliver López, Nicolás Britos, and Fabricio Benítez. The midfield was controlled by Éver Corrales, Imanol Amarilla, and Sebastián Orué, with the goalscorer Ángel González providing width. The attack was lead by Brahian Leguizamón and Osmar Sosa.
Paraguay at the IV South American Youth Games
The IV South American Youth Games are being held from 12 to 25 April, 2026. Team Paraguay consists of 148 athletes and 69 officials, participating in 20 sports. The event brings together boys and girls aged 14 to 17. In the previous edition held in Rosario, Argentina, Paraguay won a total of 14 medals: 5 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze.
The Guarani delegation participates in aquatic sports, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, fencing, football (male and female), futsal (male and female), golf, judo, karate, weightlifting, wrestling, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, archery, triathlon and chess.
In 2025, Paraguay also clinched the South American U-17 women’s football title.
