Paraguay to the World Cup: National Holiday after 16 Years of Absence

Paraguay Celebrates its Return to the World Cup with a National Holiday

The President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has declared a national holiday to celebrate the national team’s return to the World Cup, after a 16-year absence. La Albirroja secured its qualification for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, by drawing 0-0 with Ecuador in Asunción, guaranteeing the last direct qualifying spot, with one match still to be played. Thousands of fans celebrated in the streets of Asunción, before the Presidency confirmed September 5th as a public holiday.

This is a dream come true for all Paraguayans, and that’s why tomorrow is a holiday, so that all Paraguayans can celebrate together! We’re going back to the World Cup and we’re all celebrating!
Santiago Peña

Just a year ago, Paraguay seemed destined to miss its fourth consecutive World Cup, but it has had an impressive performance under the direction of coach Gustavo Alfaro. The Paraguayan Football Federation turned to Alfaro 13 months ago, after the departure of Daniel Garnero after the group stage of the 2024 Copa América, where they lost all three matches. Paraguay had only won one of their six initial qualifying matches before Alfaro took over.

Paraguay's 0-0 draw with Ecuador secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. — El empate 0-0 de Paraguay con Ecuador aseguró su lugar en el Mundial 2026.

Paraguay's qualification sparked wild scenes at the the Defensores del Chaco Stadium and across the rest of the country. — La clasificación de Paraguay desató escenas de júbilo en el estadio Defensores del Chaco y en todo el país.

Under Alfaro’s direction, they have achieved five victories and five draws, suffering only one defeat: a 1-0 loss to Brazil on June 11. They have defeated Argentina, as well as Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile on the road to qualification. Alfaro, 63 years old, expressed his ambition to achieve more.

I don’t want to go to the World Cup just to participate, I want to compete for the maximum. What we have done so far has been enough to get to the World Cup, but for me, it is not enough to play the World Cup I want to play. I’m not talking about attitude, but we have to grow in football. We have to have a competitive advantage now.
Gustavo Alfaro

Paraguay’s last participation was in South Africa 2010, where they lost in the quarter-finals against Spain, who were proclaimed champions.

We are talking now and 16 years ago I was in school watching Paraguay’s last match in the World Cup and the truth is that I never expected to be part of this beautiful story. I simply can’t believe it.
Matías Galarza

Paraguay will finish its qualifying campaign on Tuesday, playing away against Peru.