The Paraguayan national football team suffered a narrow defeat in their eagerly anticipated World Cup qualifier against Brazil on Tuesday night, losing 1-0. While Uruguay’s 2-0 win against Venezuela this same night sparked Paraguay’s World Cup qualification prospects, the Albirroja’s loss against the Canarinho in São Paulo did not.
This result leaves Paraguay yet to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, though the dream is still very much alive. Since the arrival of Argentine Gustavo Alfaro as manager, this was the team’s first loss after nine matches without defeat. Fans will have to wait until September for the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers to continue. Paragauay needs only one point from the remaining two matchdays.
Physical game
The match played in Brazil was a very physical one, arguably the most challenging one for the Paraguayan national team in this World Cup qualifiers. From the start to the end, Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil dominated ball possession. Real Madid star player Vinicius Jr. took advantage of some Paraguyan defence mishap in the 44th minute, to make it 1-0 for Brazill. Later on, increased Paraguayan pressure into the Brazilian defensive zone gave the impression that the Albirroja might equalise. However, every time the Brazilian defence and goalkeeper Allison were there to counter the Paraguayan attacks.
Viewing party atmosphere
The networking event of The Asunción Times was followed by a watch party, held at Palo Santo, a must-visit brewpub in Paraguay’s capital. The atmosphere was great and everyone was ready to celebrate in case the Paraguayan national team would win! Prior to the match, we surveyed members of the Digital Nomads in Asunción and Paraguay online community to predict the winner of the game. When the results were compiled, 17 people were counting on an Albirroja victory. Five people expected a victory of the Canarinho and four people predicted a draw.
At half-time, we asked fans about their experience and feelings watching the Brazil and Paraguay national teams. Here are some of their responses.
“So far, Brazil has controlled the game”, said Teemu, a football fan from Finland. “Though I really like when Paraguay goes deeper on the Brazilian side, because that is when the game gets exciting. I just hope they have enough stamina to get back into the game.”
“I believe we still have an opportunity,” commented Rosie from Paraguay. “We can change the outcome. Probably Alfaro made a good talk to the players, so I feel they can come and change the game.”
Paraguay gave their all in the second half but could not come back from behind. After the 1-0 loss, it was easy to see the deception on everyone’s face. Only a few Brazilian fans were happy that their team won on their recently appointed manager Ancelotti’s birthday. Despite the result, Paraguayan fans remained eager for a good time and continued to enjoy the viewing party.
What awaits the Paraguayan national team?
The Albirroja has two more opportunities to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and determine their official South American ranking. The team is playing next on September 9 against Ecuador in Asunción, and after on September 14 away at Peru. The two-month break will help all national teams still in the race, and Paraguay can bank on that as well.
Paraguay’s last World Cup appearance
The last time Paraguay competed on the World Cup stage was exactly 15 years ago… today! In the tournament that began on the 11th of June 2010, the team reached the quarter-finals, where they were defeated 1-0 by Spain. La Roja went on to beat Germany and then the Netherlands to claim the World Cup title. This Paraguayan national team relied on goals from Nelson Haedo Valdez and Roque Santa Cruz. The latter, remarkably, is still playing for Club Libertad at the age of 43, nearing 44!
The 2026 World Cup will be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19 next year. The final will be in East Rutherford, New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium, home of the American football teams New York Giants and New York Jets. It will be the first time 48 teams are competing in the World Cup. Previously it was 32 teams. In total, 104 games will be played in the tournament.
For more information about the upcoming tournament check the FIFA World Cup 26 website.
