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Paraguay national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Paraguay women's national football team.

Paraguay
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Los Guaraníes (The Guaraníes)
La Albirroja (The White and Red)
AssociationAsociación Paraguaya de Fútbol (APF)
ConfederationCONMEBOL (South America)
Head coachGustavo Alfaro[1]
CaptainGustavo Gómez
Most capsPaulo da Silva (148)
Top scorerRoque Santa Cruz (32)
Home stadiumEstadio Defensores del Chaco
FIFA codePAR
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 53 Steady (19 December 2024)[2]
Highest8 (March 2001)
Lowest103 (May 1995)
First international
 Paraguay 1–5 Argentina 
(Asunción, Paraguay; 11 May 1919)
Biggest win
 Paraguay 7–0 Bolivia 
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 30 April 1949)
 Hong Kong 0–7 Paraguay 
(Hong Kong; 17 November 2010)
Biggest defeat
 Argentina 8–0 Paraguay 
(Santiago, Chile; 20 October 1926)
World Cup
Appearances8 (first in 1930)
Best resultQuarter-finals (2010)
Copa América
Appearances39 (first in 1921)
Best resultChampions (1953, 1979)

The Paraguay national football team (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Paraguay), nicknamed La Albirroja, represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions, and are controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association (Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol). Paraguay is a member of CONMEBOL. The Albirroja has qualified for eight FIFA World Cup competitions (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010), with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals. A regular participant at the Copa América, Paraguay have been crowned champions of the competition on two occasions (in 1953 and 1979). Paraguay's highest FIFA World Rankings was 8th (March 2001) and their lowest was 103 (May 1995). Paraguay was awarded second place with Best Move of the Year in 1996 for their rise in the FIFA Rankings.

The national team's most successful period was under the coaching of Argentine Gerardo Martino, who was awarded with the South American Coach of the Year in 2007 and took Paraguay to the quarter-finals stage of the FIFA World Cup competition for the first time in history (in 2010) and also to the final of the 2011 Copa América, where Paraguay finished as runners-up. In Paraguay's entire history at the FIFA World Cup, only Carlos Gamarra and José Luis Chilavert hold the distinction of being selected as part of the All-Star Team, being for the 1998 edition. Paulo da Silva holds the most appearances for the national team with 148 matches and Roque Santa Cruz is the all-time leading goal scorer with 32 goals. Denis Caniza, who was present with the national team from 1996 to 2010, is the only player to have represented Paraguay in four consecutive FIFA World Cup competitions (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010).

History

[edit]
Main article: History of the Paraguay national football team

The beginning (1900–1930)

[edit]
Paraguay at the 1929 South American Championship

Soon after the introduction of football in Paraguay by Williams Paats, the Liga Paraguaya de Futbol (today Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol) was created in 1906. The first national football team was organized in 1910 when an invitation by the Argentine club Hércules of Corrientes was received to play a friendly match. Members of that first national team where F. Melián, G. Almeida, A. Rodríguez, M. Barrios, P. Samaniego, J. Morín, Z. Gadea, D. Andreani, C. Mena Porta, B. Villamayor, M. Rojas and E. Erico. The match ended in a 0–0 draw.[4]

Because of the increasing number of invitations to play matches and international tournaments, the Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol decided to officially create the national team and select the striped red and white jerseys that until this date remain as the official colours (taken from the Paraguayan flag). In late 1919, Paraguay accepted the invitation to play the 1921 Copa América and in order to prepare for that occasion a number of friendly matches were played between 1919 and the start of the tournament in 1921. The first of those friendly matches was a 5–1 loss against Argentina, and it marked the first international game by the Paraguay national football team. When the 1921 Copa América finally arrived, Paraguay surprised everybody by beating then three-time South American champions Uruguay by 2–1, being this the first match in an official competition for the Paraguayan football team. Paraguay eventually finished fourth in the tournament and became a regular participant of the tournament for the next editions.

In 1930, Paraguay participated in the first World Cup, organized by Uruguay. In the first round, Paraguay debuted and lost to the United States (0–3), to then defeat Belgium (1–0) with a goal by Luis Vargas Peña. Only one team was to advance from the group stage, and the U.S. left Paraguay behind.

First taste of success (1930–1970)

[edit]

After strong participations in the Copa América tournaments of 1929, 1947 and 1949 (where Paraguay finished in second place), Paraguay was ready for their next World Cup competition.

The return to the World Cup was in 1950, where Paraguay faced Sweden and Italy in Group 3. Paraguay failed to advance to the next round after a 2–2 draw against Sweden and a 2–0 loss against Italy.

The first big success came in 1953 when Paraguay won the Copa América disputed in Peru. In their road to the championship, Paraguay defeated Chile (3–0), Bolivia (2–1) and Brazil (2–1); and tied against Ecuador (0–0), Peru (2–2) and Uruguay (2–2). Since Paraguay and Brazil were tied in points at the end of the tournament, a final playoff match was played between them, with Paraguay winning the final by 3–2. Key players of the campaign included Ángel Berni, Heriberto Herrera and Rubén Fernández. The coach was Manuel Fleitas Solich.[5]

For the 1958 World Cup, Paraguay surprisingly qualified ahead of Uruguay (beating them 5–0 in the decisive game) with a team that contained a formidable attacking lineup with stars such as Juan Bautista Agüero, José Parodi, Jorge Lino Romero, Cayetano Ré and Florencio Amarilla. In their first game in Sweden, Paraguay were 3–2 up against France in a game they lost 7–3. A 3–2 win over Scotland and a 3–3 draw with Yugoslavia saw Paraguay finish third in their group.

The departure of several of their stars for European football (mainly Spain) resulted in a weakening of Paraguay's football fortunes somewhat, but they were only edged out by Mexico in the 1962 qualifiers.

More continental success (1970–1990)

[edit]

Paraguay fell short in subsequent World Cup qualifying campaigns, but Copa América success (and that of one of its premier clubs Olimpia in the Copa Libertadores) in 1979 shored up Paraguay as a solid player on the continent.

The 1979 Copa América was won by Paraguay after finishing first in Group C (which had Uruguay and Ecuador as well) with two wins and two draws. In the semi-finals, Paraguay defeated Brazil by an aggregate score of 4–3. In the finals, Paraguay defeated Chile by an aggregate score of 3–1 to claim its second continental crown. Players such as Romerito, Carlos Alberto Kiese, Alicio Solalinde, Roberto Paredes, Hugo Ricardo Talavera and Eugenio Morel where an important part of the team, coached by Ranulfo Miranda.[6]

Paraguay ended a 28-year absence from the World Cup in 1986 with a team starring Roberto Fernández in goal; Cesar Zabala, Rogelio Delgado and Juan Bautista Torales in defence; Jorge Amado Nunes and Vladimiro Schettina in midfield; midfield playmaker Romerito and strikers Roberto Cabañas, Ramón Ángel María Hicks and Rolando Chilavert (the older brother of José Luis Chilavert). In first round matches, Paraguay defeated Iraq (1–0, goal scored by Romerito) and then tied Mexico (1–1, goal scored by Romerito) and Belgium (2–2, both goals scored by Roberto Cabañas). They reached the second round where they were beaten 3–0 by England.[7]

The golden generation (1998–2011)

[edit]

A drought followed once again, as Paraguay failed to reach the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

In 1992, Paraguay won the South American Pre-Olympic tournament, which guaranteed a spot in the 1992 Summer Olympics football competition. In the Olympics, Paraguay finished second in its group and were eliminated by Ghana in the quarter-finals.[8] The most important aspect of that Paraguay team was the emergence of new young players like Carlos Gamarra, Celso Ayala, José Luis Chilavert, Francisco Arce and José Cardozo, which became part of the "golden generation" that led Paraguay to three straight World Cups and good performances in continental competitions, establishing Paraguay as one of the top teams in South America alongside Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

1998 FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Main article: 1998 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay concluded the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup in second position, one point below Argentina.

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Nigeria 3 2 0 1 5 5 0 6 Advance to knockout stage
2  Paraguay 3 1 2 0 3 1 +2 5
3  Spain 3 1 1 1 8 4 +4 4
4  Bulgaria 3 0 1 2 1 7 −6 1
Source: FIFA

Coached by the Brazilian Paulo César Carpegiani, the Albirroja returned to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986. The squad featured experienced players. Paraguay were drawn into Group D, alongside Bulgaria, Nigeria and Spain.

Paraguay drew their first two matches 0–0, against Bulgaria and Spain.[9] They then faced to face Nigeria, who has already qualified for the second round after winning their first two matches. Paraguay won 3–1 and finished in second position in the group.

Paraguay met France in the second round on 28 June. France were without Zinedine Zidane, and were held 0–0 by Paraguay for 90 minutes. In the 114th minute of extra-time, Laurent Blanc scored to eliminate Paraguay on the golden goal rule.[10] Defender Carlos Gamarra and goalkeeper and captain José Luís Chilavert were selected as part of the 1998 All-Star Team.

1999 and 2001 Copa América

[edit]
Group A
Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 Paraguay (H) 3 2 1 0 5 0 +5 7
 Peru 3 2 0 1 4 3 +1 6
 Bolivia 3 0 2 1 1 2 −1 2
 Japan 3 0 1 2 3 8 −5 1
Source: [citation needed]
(H) Hosts

Paraguay were hosts of the 1999 Copa América, played in four cities throughout the country. Head coach Ever Hugo Almeida selected an experienced squad, with the majority of the players having been present at the 1998 World Cup. Grouped with Bolivia, Japan and Peru, the Albirroja played their first match of the competition, drawing 0–0 against Bolivia. On 2 July, Paraguay faced Japan and sealed a 4–0 victory. In Paraguay's third and last group-stage fixture against Peru, Paraguay won 1–0. The Albirroja topped the group with seven points. Paraguay were drawn against Uruguay at the quarter-final stage. The match was decided via a penalty shootout, which saw Paraguay defeated 5–3. Following the conclusion of the competition, striker Roque Santa Cruz was awarded with the 1999 Paraguayan Footballer of the Year award.[11]

In the 2001 Copa America, head coach Sergio Markarián selected a squad of mostly domestic based players. Paraguay were drawn against Peru, Mexico and Brazil. In their opening fixture on 12 July, the fixture ended 3–3. On 15 July, Paraguay drew 0–0 with Mexico in their second group stage fixture. Paraguay then faced Brazil on 18 July in their last group stage fixture. Brazil won 3–1 and eliminated Paraguay, who had obtained just two points at the competition.

2002 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

Paraguay began its 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in March 2000, suffering a 2–0 away defeat against Peru. One month later, they defeated Uruguay 1–0. On 3 June 2000, Paraguay secured a 3–1 home victory against Ecuador, before Paraguay were defeated 3–1 away against Chile. On 18 July 2000, Paraguay earned a 2–1 home victory against Brazil. Paraguay then drew the next two fixtures. Paraguay then earned four consecutive wins — against Venezuela, Colombia (2–0), Peru (5–1), and Uruguay (1–0) — to move into second position in qualifying.

José Luis Chilavert was a key figure during the qualifiers as Paraguay qualified for Korea-Japan 2002.

Paraguay fell 2–1 away against Ecuador. Paraguay defeated Chile 1–0. Paraguay were defeated 2–0 away against Brazil. Paraguay defeated Bolivia 5–1 at home. One month later Paraguay drew Argentina 2–2. Paraguay maintained second position in the table. Paraguay were then defeated 3–1 away against Venezuela and 4–0 against Colombia. Paraguay finished in fourth position after Round 18, with 30 points, qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Both José Saturnino Cardozo and Carlos Humberto Paredes were in the top 10 leading goal scorers of the qualifiers.[citation needed] Cardozo ranking fifth, with six goals in fourteen matches, and Paredes ranking tenth, having scored five goals in sixteen matches.[citation needed]

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Spain 3 3 0 0 9 4 +5 9 Advance to knockout stage
2  Paraguay 3 1 1 1 6 6 0 4
3  South Africa 3 1 1 1 5 5 0 4
4  Slovenia 3 0 0 3 2 7 −5 0
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

Paraguay came into the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament with most of their players from France 98, as José Luís Chilavert would captain the Albirroja at the tournament. Cesare Maldini's appointing as coach in January 2002 had caused controversy as domestic managers were overlooked (prompting the managers union to try to unsuccessfully expel him for immigration breaches).[12][13]

Paraguay were drawn into Group B with Spain, South Africa and Slovenia. The Albirroja would face South Africa in their opening group stage match on 2 June, with a match that tied at 2–2. Paraguay faced Spain in their next fixture on 7 June. Spain defeated Paraguay 3–1. In Paraguay's third group stage fixture against Slovenia, Paraguay won the match at 3–1. Although Paraguay and South Africa had finished with four points each and a goal difference of 0, the Albirroja progressed due to having scored 6 goals while South Africa scored 5.[14] Paraguay were then drawn against Germany at the round of 16 stages. Germany, who had been the more dominant side throughout the match, scored in the 88th minute to win the match, ending Paraguay's tournament.[15]

Nelson Valdez played at the 2004 Copa América.

2004 Copa América

[edit]

Coach Carlos Jara Saguier took a relatively young squad to the 2004 Copa América, with the majority of players tied to clubs of the Primera División Paraguaya. Paraguay had been drawn into Group C, with Brazil, Costa Rica and Chile. A penalty sealed Paraguay's 1–0 victory in their first group-stage match against Costa Rica. Paraguay earned a 1–1 draw with Chile in the following match. In Paraguay's fixture against Brazil, Paraguay earned a 2–1 victory, which saw Paraguay top the group as undefeated, with seven points. Paraguay were drawn against Uruguay in the quarter-finals. A 3–1 Uruguay victory eliminated Paraguay from the competition.

2006 FIFA World Cup

[edit]
José Saturnino Cardozo scored seven goals during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

Paraguay began the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification with three wins in their first four fixtures in 2003. After losing 4–1 to Peru, Paraguay notched consecutive wins against Uruguay (4–1), Chile (1–0) to reach first position of the table. In 2004, Paraguay drew 0–0 against Brazil and lost 2–1 to Bolivia. Paraguay got their only win of 2004 against Venezuela a 1–0. Paraguay ended the year with a 1–0 defeat against Uruguay. In 2005, Paraguay lost to Ecuador and then defeated Chile 2–1. In their next fixture, Brazil defeated Paraguay 4–1. Paraguay defeated Bolivia 4–1, and Argentina 1–0 for Paraguay's first official victory over Argentina.[citation needed] They defeated Venezuela 1–0. In round 18, Paraguay were defeated 1–0 at home against Colombia. Paraguay concluded the qualifiers in fourth position, qualifying for their third consecutive World Cup. José Cardozo finished second in goals scored with seven.[citation needed]

Paraguay (right, in blue) against England (left, in white) before their match at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  England 3 2 1 0 5 2 +3 7 Advance to knockout stage
2  Sweden 3 1 2 0 3 2 +1 5
3  Paraguay 3 1 0 2 2 2 0 3
4  Trinidad and Tobago 3 0 1 2 0 4 −4 1
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

Head coach Aníbal Ruiz took with him 8 European based players and 11 South American based players, including captain Carlos Gamarra, to Germany for the 2006 tournament. This was Paraguay's third consecutive FIFA World Cup tournament, and the team had experienced players within the side.

Paraguay were drawn into Group B alongside England, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago. Paraguay faced England in their opening group stage match on 10 June. England managed to hold onto a 1–0 lead to earn a victory. They faced Sweden on 15 June in a match which Sweden eliminated Paraguay after just two group-stage matches without the Albirroja scoring a single goal. Paraguay's only compensation came in their third and last group stage fixture on against Trinidad and Tobago on 20 June, Paraguay's 2–0 victory. Paraguay finished third in their group. Paraguay's group stage elimination made them the only South American national team which did not advance beyond the first round.[citation needed] Upon the conclusion of Paraguay's 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign, Aníbal Ruiz resigned as head coach and Raúl Vicente Amarilla was assigned as the interim coach.

Gerardo Martino became the new coach as of January 2007.[16]

Paraguay's national squad underwent a major transition after Germany 2006 because of the retirement of key players including José Luis Chilavert. In 2007, Argentine Gerardo "Tata" Martino was designated as head-coach.

2007 Copa América

[edit]
Main article: 2007 Copa América


Group C
Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 Argentina 3 3 0 0 9 3 +6 9
 Paraguay 3 2 0 1 8 2 +6 6
 Colombia 3 1 0 2 3 9 −6 3
 United States 3 0 0 3 2 8 −6 0
Source: [citation needed]

Gerardo Martino took with him a relatively experienced squad to Venezuela, with Darío Verón, Claudio Morel Rodríguez, Carlos Bonet, Julio Manzur, Paulo da Silva, Aureliano Torres, Roque Santa Cruz and captain Julio César Cáceres all re-appearing for the national team, and newcomers Enrique Vera, Óscar Cardozo and the Argentine-born Jonathan Santana were appearing for Paraguay in their first major tournaments. The competition also proved to be one of the last national team involvements from veteran Nelson Cuevas. Paraguay were drawn into Group C, alongside Argentina, Colombia, and the USA. In Paraguay's first fixture, they would defeat Colombia 5–0 after a hat-trick from Roque Santa Cruz and a double from Salvador Cabañas.[17] In Paraguay's second fixture against the US, Édgar Barreto opened the scoring in the 29th minute just before the USA's Ricardo Clark would level the scores in the 35th minute. Paraguay would win the match 3–1 after a goal from Óscar Cardozo and a 92nd minute free kick from Salvador Cabañas would seal the game for the Albirroja.[18] With both Paraguay and Argentina having obtained six points and qualifying from beyond their Group C, the two teams faced in their last group stage fixture with a less strengthened side, Roque Santa Cruz, Édgar Barreto, Cristian Riveros and Paolo da Silva all commencing on the bench as Nelson Cuevas would gain his first appearance of the competition and Aldo Bobadilla would play a full 90-minutes of the fixture, replacing Justo Villar for the second time in the tournament. A 79th minute Javier Mascherano goal was enough to seal a 1–0 victory for Argentina,[19] as Paraguay advanced to the knock-out stages to face Mexico. Mexico had already beaten Brazil in the group stage and had finished in first place of their respective Group B with seven points. After Paraguayan goal keeper Aldo Bobadilla had earned a straight red card in the 3rd minute, Paraguay conceded a penalty in the 5th minute and eventually found themselves down 3–0 at half-time. Mexico would score another three more goals, thrashing Paraguay 6–0 and ending their Copa América campaign.[20]

2010 FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Coach Gerardo Martino regarded Salvador Cabañas as the Albirroja's best player,[21] Martino also considered Cabañas as Paraguay's Lionel Messi.[22][23]

Paraguay commenced their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0–0 away draw against Peru.[24] Paraguay followed this draw with four consecutive wins — against Urugauay (1–0), Ecuador (5–1), Chile (3–0), and Brazil (2–0). These victories placed Paraguay in first position of the CONMEBOL table in four matches,[25][26] and Paraguay remained in first position of the CONMEBOL table for nine consecutive rounds (from round 4 to round 12). Paraguay lost for the first time in qualifying in a 4–2 away defeat against Bolivia.[27]

Paraguay travelled to Argentina.[28] 1–1 was how it finished. Days later, a 2–0 home victory against Venezuela as Paraguay remained in first position of the CONMEBOL table.[29] Paraguay then earned two 1–0 victories against Colombia and Peru.[30][31] The results keeping Paraguay in first place of the CONMEBOL table as 2008 concluded. Paraguay's qualification campaign in 2009 commenced with a 2–0 away loss against Uruguay[32] and a 1–1 away draw against Ecuador,[33] By June, Paraguay suffered a 2–0 home defeat at the hands of Chile,[34] Paraguay were defeated 2–1 away against Brazil.[35] In the last four matches of the qualification campaign, where which three of the four fixtures would be played at home, Paraguay earned a 1–0 home victory against Bolivia.[36] Qualification was secured in the next fixture against Argentina on 9 September, when Paraguay won 1–0.[37] Paraguay concluded the qualification campaign with a 2–1 away victory against Venezuela and a 2–0 home loss against Colombia.[38][39] Paraguay concluded the qualification campaign with 33 points, as Salvador Cabañas finished in sixth position of the leading goal scorers, having scored six goals.[citation needed]

The Albirroja vs. Italy on 14 June 2010

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Paraguay 3 1 2 0 3 1 +2 5 Advance to knockout stage
2  Slovakia 3 1 1 1 4 5 −1 4
3  New Zealand 3 0 3 0 2 2 0 3
4  Italy 3 0 2 1 4 5 −1 2
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

Paraguay had an experienced side with Roque Santa Cruz, Édgar Barreto, Carlos Bonet, Enrique Vera, Cristian Riveros, Nelson Valdez and Paulo da Silva. Paraguay had qualified for their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup, and the 2010 edition proved to be a record fourth consecutive World Cup for Denis Caniza.[40] The final squad consisted of 9 European based players.[41] Paraguay were drawn into Group F alongside Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand. Paraguay faced Italy in their opening match and drew 1–1, after taking the lead in the 39th minute.[42] They then beat Slovakia 2–0[43] and played out a 0–0 draw with New Zealand, to finish first in the group.[44]

Paraguay were drawn against Japan in the second round, and won a penalty shoot-out 5–3 after a 0–0 draw.[45] The win meant that Paraguay advanced to the last eight for the first time.[46] The Albirroja were drawn against Spain at the quarter-final stage. Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar saved a penalty kick, but Spain scored in the 83rd minute to win 1–0, and went on to win the tournament.[47] After the match, Gerardo Martino stated that he would be leaving his position at the end of his contract.

2011 Copa América

[edit]
Paraguay's Justo Villar (centre, in yellow) was voted best goalkeeper of the 2011 Copa América.

At the 2011 Copa América, Paraguay were drawn into Group B with Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador. Paraguay drew their opening group stage match 0–0 with Ecuador. Paraguay leveled with Brazil 2–2, as Paraguay would settle for their second draw of the tournament. Paraguay played out a 3–3 draw with Venezuela, and concluded the group stage phase with three points from three matches, as the group's third-place finisher and the competition's second-best third-place finisher in the group stage.

Paraguay were drawn against Brazil at the quarter final stages. The match was decided via a penalty shoot out. Paraguay won the penalty shoot out 2–0. Paraguay then faced Venezuela in the semi-final. Paraguay won 5–3 via their second consecutive penalty shoot out, to send Paraguay to the final. Paraguay faced Uruguay in the final, the first time that Paraguay reached the final since the 1979 Copa América. Despite losing 3–0, Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar was awarded as the Best goalkeeper of the tournament. Gerardo Martino resigned soon afterwards as coach of the Albirroja.

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

[edit]
Francisco Arce was in charge of the Albirroja in 2011, following the departure of Gerardo Martino.

Francisco Arce took charge of the national team for the qualifiers. In Rounds 1 and 2 in October 2011, Paraguay were defeated 2–0 away.[48] Four days later, Paraguay drew with Uruguay 1–1. Paraguay earned their first win of the qualifiers when they defeated Ecuador 2–1.[49] Fourth position was the highest ranking that Paraguay achieved throughout the qualifiers, as the national team faced a series of losses.

Paraguay were defeated 2–0 against Chile and 3–1 to Bolivia.[50] Francisco Arce departed as coach in 2012 after Paraguay's loss against Bolivia, and was replaced by Gerardo Pelusso. Paraguay were defeated 3–1 against Argentina, 2–0 against Venezuela, and 2–0 against Colombia.[51] This string of losses placed Paraguay at the bottom of the table.

Roque Santa Cruz scored his 26th goal, becoming Paraguay's leading career scorer.

Paraguay ended their losing streak when they defeated Peru 1–0, only their second win of the qualifiers.[52] Paraguay's then tied Uruguay 1–1.[53] Paraguay were defeated 4–1 against Ecuador.[54] In Round 13, Paraguay lost 2–1 to Chile in a match where Roque Santa Cruz's goal brought his tally to 26 which made him the all-time leading goal scorer of the Paraguay national team's history.[55] By this time, Gerardo Pelusso had departed and coach Víctor Genes would ultimately be in charge until the qualifiers were concluded. Paraguay next defeated Bolivia 4–0.[56] However, a 5–2 defeat against Argentina officially eliminated Paraguay from qualifying.

Paraguay's last two matches in October 2013 saw then face Venezuela and Colombia. The match concluded 1–1. In Paraguay's last fixture of the qualifiers in Round 18, they lost to Colombia 2–1. Paraguay finished in ninth (i.e. last) position of the table, having gained just 12 points from three wins and having been defeated ten times.[57] The 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign proved to be unsuccessful. Throughout the duration of the qualifiers, Paraguay changed coaches three times.

2015 Copa América

[edit]

Paraguay's campaign in the 2015 Copa América was much more successful than their qualifying campaign to Brazil. In this competition, Paraguay made it to the semi-finals, defeating Brazil in quarter-finals via penalty shootouts, after the score being 1–1, although they were eliminated by Argentina, by a score of 6–1.[58]

Copa América Centenario

[edit]

Prior to the competition, the Paraguayan press had labeled Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo, Paulo da Silva and Justo Villar as histórics, being the only four experienced and veteran players in the squad selected for the competition.[59][60] Santa Cruz suffered an injured and was later replaced by Antonio Sanabria.[61]

Following an unsuccessful campaign, Ramón Díaz announced his resignation as coach of the Albirroja in a press conference at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco after returning to the country.[62][63] He had already received criticism from former Albirroja great José Luís Chilavert, who stated that the team was managed based on "friendship" in the federation due to corruption and opined that Díaz is more of an office person.[64][65][66] José Cardozo, former Albirroja leading goal scorer and current coach of Chiapas in Mexico, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the Albirroja. He stated that: "There are players that do not even know our national anthem" and "We used to play until we would suffer severe injuries, and we performed because we loved the Albirroja. Today, someone has pain in their stomach and does not want to train." "Carlos Gamarra and Francisco Arce played many times with busted ankles, and I once played with a damaged knee" remembered Cardozo.[67] Former Albirroja World Cup veteran Celso Ayala spoke to HOY.com and mentioned that "Any team beats us. In the Albirroja, we've stopped kicking, blocking and heading. Uruguay, for instance, never forgets about its roots, and we have to be like them."[68]

Team image

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paraguay national football team kits.

Paraguay traditionally wears red and white shirts and blue shorts and socks and away colours are originally blue but they wear all white since they wear manufactured by German brand Puma after their termination from the Adidas brand. They never used their away colours when they were playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Kit provider Period
West Germany Adidas 1979-1980
Brazil Textil Paraná 1981–1983
Brazil Rainha 1984-1986
Argentina Sportman 1987–1990
Brazil Textil Paraná 1991–1992
Italy Ennerre 1993–1994
United States Reebok 1995–1998
Germany Puma 1999–2006
Germany Adidas 2007–2019
Germany Puma 2020–present

Results and fixtures

[edit]
Main article: Paraguay national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

[edit]
25 March Friendly Russia  Cancelled  Paraguay Moscow, Russia
20:00 UTC+3 Report Stadium: VTB Arena
Note: Match was cancelled due to the Crocus City Hall attack.
7 June Friendly Peru  0–0  Paraguay Lima, Peru
19:30 UTC−5 Report Stadium: Estadio Monumental
Referee: Guillermo Guerrero (Ecuador)
11 June Friendly Chile  3–0  Paraguay Santiago, Chile
21:00 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos
Referee: Pablo Echavarría (Argentina)
16 June Friendly Panama  0–1  Paraguay Panama City, Panama
17:30 UTC−5 Report
Stadium: Estadio Rommel Fernández
Referee: David Gómez (Costa Rica)
24 June 2024 Copa América Colombia  2–1  Paraguay Houston, United States
17:00 UTC−5
Report
Stadium: NRG Stadium
Attendance: 67,059
Referee: Dario Herrera (Argentina)
28 June 2024 Copa América Paraguay  1–4  Brazil Paradise, United States
18:00 UTC−7
Report
Stadium: Allegiant Stadium
Attendance: 46,939
Referee: Piero Maza (Chile)
2 July 2024 Copa América Costa Rica  2–1  Paraguay Austin, United States
20:00 UTC−5
Report
Stadium: Q2 Stadium
Attendance: 12,765
Referee: Yael Falcón (Argentina)
6 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Uruguay  0–0  Paraguay Montevideo, Uruguay
20:30 UTC−3 Report Stadium: Estadio Centenario
Attendance: 47,741
Referee: Darío Herrera (Argentina)
10 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  1–0  Brazil Asunción, Paraguay
20:30 UTC−4
Report Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Attendance: 31,962
Referee: Andrés Matonte (Uruguay)
10 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Ecuador  0–0  Paraguay Quito, Ecuador
16:00 UTC−5 Report Stadium: Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado
Attendance: 31,000
Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
15 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  2–1  Venezuela Asunción, Paraguay
20:00 UTC−3
Report
Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Attendance: 28,531
Referee: Piero Maza (Chile)
14 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  2–1  Argentina Asunción, Paraguay
20:30 UTC−3
Report
Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Attendance: 32,200
Referee: Anderson Daronco (Brazil)
19 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Bolivia  2–2  Paraguay El Alto, Bolivia
16:00 UTC−4
Report
Stadium: Estadio Municipal de El Alto
Attendance: 18,655
Referee: Andrés Matonte (Uruguay)

2025

[edit]
March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  v  Chile Asunción, Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3 Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Colombia  v  Paraguay Barranquilla, Colombia
--:-- UTC−5 Stadium: Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez
June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  v  Uruguay Asunción, Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3 Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Brazil  v  Paraguay Brazil
--:-- UTC−3
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  v  Ecuador Asunción, Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3 Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Peru  v  Paraguay Lima, Peru
--:-- UTC−5 Stadium: Estadio Nacional

Coaching staff

[edit]
See also: History of the Paraguay national football team § Managers
Position Name
Head coach Argentina Gustavo Alfaro
Assistant coach Argentina Carlos Gonzalez
Assistant coach Argentina Claudio Cristofanelli
Fitness coach Argentina Sergio Omar
Fitness coach Argentina Pedro Ignacio
Video analyst Argentina Alejandro Juan
Goalkeeping coach Argentina Diego Carranza
First-team Doctor Paraguay Justo Tapia
Physiotherapist Paraguay Luis Canteros
Academy manager Argentina Elvio Paolorosso

Players

[edit]
See also: Paraguay international footballers

Current squad

[edit]

The following players were called up to the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Argentina and Bolivia on 14 and 19 November 2024, respectively.[69]

Caps and goals current as of 19 November 2024, after the match against Bolivia.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Carlos Coronel (1996-12-29) 29 December 1996 (age 27) 9 0 United States New York Red Bulls
12 1GK Roberto Júnior Fernández (1988-03-29) 29 March 1988 (age 36) 24 0 Paraguay Cerro Porteño
22 1GK Juan Espínola (1994-11-02) 2 November 1994 (age 30) 1 0 Argentina Belgrano
2 2DF Gustavo Velázquez (1991-04-17) 17 April 1991 (age 33) 8 1 Argentina Newell's Old Boys
3 2DF Saúl Salcedo (1997-08-29) 29 August 1997 (age 27) 6 1 Argentina Newell's Old Boys
4 2DF Juan Cáceres (2000-06-01) 1 June 2000 (age 24) 7 0 Argentina Lanús
5 2DF Fabián Balbuena (1991-08-23) 23 August 1991 (age 33) 45 2 Russia Dynamo Moscow
6 2DF Júnior Alonso (1993-02-09) 9 February 1993 (age 31) 59 2 Brazil Atlético Mineiro
13 2DF Agustín Sández (2001-01-16) 16 January 2001 (age 23) 2 0 Argentina Rosario Central
15 2DF Gustavo Gómez (captain) (1993-05-06) 6 May 1993 (age 31) 79 4 Brazil Palmeiras
23 2DF Santiago Arzamendia (1998-05-05) 5 May 1998 (age 26) 24 0 Argentina Estudiantes
2DF César Olmedo (2003-02-28) 28 February 2003 (age 21) 0 0 Paraguay Olimpia
7 3MF Ramón Sosa (1999-08-31) 31 August 1999 (age 25) 20 1 England Nottingham Forest
8 3MF Diego Gómez (2003-03-27) 27 March 2003 (age 21) 12 1 England Brighton & Hove Albion
10 3MF Miguel Almirón (1994-02-10) 10 February 1994 (age 30) 64 8 England Newcastle United
14 3MF Matías Galarza (2002-02-11) 11 February 2002 (age 22) 5 0 Argentina Talleres
16 3MF Damián Bobadilla (2001-07-11) 11 July 2001 (age 23) 9 0 Brazil São Paulo
17 3MF Alejandro Romero Gamarra (1995-01-11) 11 January 1995 (age 29) 26 5 United Arab Emirates Al Ain
20 3MF Mathías Villasanti (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 (age 27) 47 0 Brazil Grêmio
9 4FW Antonio Sanabria (1996-03-04) 4 March 1996 (age 28) 35 6 Italy Torino
11 4FW Ángel Romero (1992-07-04) 4 July 1992 (age 32) 45 8 Brazil Corinthians
18 4FW Álex Arce (1995-06-16) 16 June 1995 (age 29) 9 0 Ecuador LDU Quito
19 4FW Julio Enciso (2004-01-23) 23 January 2004 (age 20) 23 2 England Brighton & Hove Albion
21 4FW Alfio Oviedo (1995-12-18) 18 December 1995 (age 29) 2 0 Bolivia Bolívar
4FW Isidro Pitta (1999-08-14) 14 August 1999 (age 25) 5 0 Brazil Cuiabá

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have received a call-up within the past 12 months:

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Alfredo Aguilar (1988-07-18) 18 July 1988 (age 36) 3 0 Paraguay Sportivo Luqueño 2024 Copa América
GK Rodrigo Morínigo (1998-10-07) 7 October 1998 (age 26) 3 0 Paraguay Libertad 2024 Copa América
DF Omar Alderete (1996-12-26) 26 December 1996 (age 28) 25 2 Spain Getafe v.  Bolivia, 19 November 2024 SUS
DF Daniel Rivas (2001-12-06) 6 December 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Paraguay Nacional v.  Venezuela, 15 October 2024
DF Blas Riveros (1998-02-03) 3 February 1998 (age 26) 14 0 Argentina Talleres v.  Brazil, 10 September 2024
DF Mateo Gamarra (2000-10-20) 20 October 2000 (age 24) 3 0 Brazil Athletico Paranaense v.  Brazil, 10 September 2024
DF Matías Espinoza (1997-09-19) 19 September 1997 (age 27) 8 0 Paraguay Libertad 2024 Copa América
DF Iván Ramírez (1994-12-08) 8 December 1994 (age 30) 7 0 Paraguay Libertad 2024 Copa América
DF Néstor Giménez (1997-07-24) 24 July 1997 (age 27) 4 0 Paraguay Libertad 2024 Copa América
DF Robert Rojas (1996-04-30) 30 April 1996 (age 28) 26 1 Brazil Vasco da Gama v.  Russia, 25 March 2024
DF Roberto Fernández (2000-06-07) 7 June 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Russia Dynamo Moscow v.  Russia, 25 March 2024
MF Andrés Cubas (1996-05-22) 22 May 1996 (age 28) 26 0 Canada Vancouver Whitecaps v.  Bolivia, 19 November 2024 SUS
MF Hugo Cuenca (2005-01-08) 8 January 2005 (age 19) 1 0 Italy Milan v.  Venezuela, 15 October 2024
MF Álvaro Campuzano (1995-06-12) 12 June 1995 (age 29) 4 0 Paraguay Libertad v.  Brazil, 10 September 2024
MF Wilder Viera (2002-03-04) 4 March 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Paraguay Cerro Porteño v.  Brazil, 10 September 2024
MF Richard Sánchez (1996-03-29) 29 March 1996 (age 28) 34 1 Mexico América 2024 Copa América
MF Matías Rojas (1995-11-03) 3 November 1995 (age 29) 21 1 United States Inter Miami 2024 Copa América
MF Hernesto Caballero (1991-04-09) 9 April 1991 (age 33) 6 0 Paraguay Libertad 2024 Copa América
MF Fabrizio Peralta (2002-08-02) 2 August 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Brazil Cruzeiro 2024 Copa América
MF Jesús Medina (1997-04-30) 30 April 1997 (age 27) 9 0 Russia Spartak Moscow v.  Russia, 25 March 2024
FW Adam Bareiro (1996-07-26) 26 July 1996 (age 28) 9 0 Argentina River Plate v.  Brazil, 10 September 2024
FW Derlis González (1994-03-20) 20 March 1994 (age 30) 52 9 Paraguay Olimpia 2024 Copa América
FW Gabriel Aguayo (2005-02-10) 10 February 2005 (age 19) 0 0 Paraguay Cerro Porteño v.  Chile, 11 June 2024

COV Withdrew due to COVID-19
INJ Withdrew due to injury
PRE Preliminary squad
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Suspended
WD Withdrew from the squad

Player records

[edit]
As of 21 November 2023.[70]
Players in bold are still active at international level.

Most caps

[edit]
Paulo da Silva is Paraguay's most-capped player with 148 international appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Paulo da Silva 148 3 2000–2017
2 Justo Villar 120 0 1999–2018
3 Roque Santa Cruz 112 32 1999–2016
4 Carlos Gamarra 110 12 1993–2006
5 Cristian Riveros 101 16 2005–2018
6 Roberto Acuña 100 5 1993–2011
Denis Caniza 100 1 1996–2010
8 Celso Ayala 85 6 1993–2003
9 José Saturnino Cardozo 82 25 1991–2006
10 Carlos Bonet 80 1 2002–2013

Most goals

[edit]
Roque Santa Cruz is Paraguay's all-time top scorer with 32 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Roque Santa Cruz 32 112 0.29 1999–2016
2 José Saturnino Cardozo 25 82 0.3 1991–2006
3 Cristian Riveros 16 101 0.16 2005–2018
4 Saturnino Arrúa 13 26 0.5 1969–1980
Julio César Romero 13 32 0.41 1979–1986
Nelson Haedo Valdez 13 77 0.17 2004–2017
7 Óscar Cardozo 12 58 0.21 2006–2023
Carlos Gamarra 12 110 0.11 1993–2006
9 Roberto Cabañas 11 28 0.39 1981–1993
Miguel Ángel Benítez 11 29 0.38 1996–1999

Competitive record

[edit]

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Main article: Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place    Fourth place  

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Group stage 9th 2 1 0 1 1 3 Squad Qualified as invitees
Italy 1934 Did not enter Declined participation
France 1938
Brazil 1950 Group stage 11th 2 0 1 1 2 4 Squad Qualified automatically
Switzerland 1954 Did not qualify 4 2 0 2 8 6
Sweden 1958 Group stage 12th 3 1 1 1 9 12 Squad 4 3 0 1 11 4
Chile 1962 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 0 1
England 1966 4 1 1 2 3 5
Mexico 1970 6 4 0 2 6 5
West Germany 1974 4 2 1 1 8 5
Argentina 1978 4 1 2 1 3 3
Spain 1982 4 1 0 3 3 6
Mexico 1986 Round of 16 13th 4 1 2 1 4 6 Squad 8 3 3 2 14 8
Italy 1990 Did not qualify 4 2 0 2 6 7
United States 1994 6 1 4 1 6 7
France 1998 Round of 16 14th 4 1 2 1 3 2 Squad 16 9 2 5 21 14
South Korea Japan 2002 16th 4 1 1 2 6 7 Squad 18 9 3 6 29 23
Germany 2006 Group stage 18th 3 1 0 2 2 2 Squad 18 8 4 6 23 23
South Africa 2010 Quarter-finals 8th 5 1 3 1 3 2 Squad 18 10 3 5 24 16
Brazil 2014 Did not qualify 16 3 3 10 17 31
Russia 2018 18 7 3 8 19 25
Qatar 2022 18 3 7 8 12 26
Canada Mexico United States 2026 Qualification in progress 12 4 5 3 8 7
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 Qualified as commemorative match hosts Qualified as commemorative match hosts
Saudi Arabia 2034 To be determined To be determined
Total Quarter-finals 8/22 27 7 10 10 30 38 — 184 73 42 69 221 222
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Copa América

[edit]
Main article: Paraguay at the Copa América
South American Championship / Copa América record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
Argentina 1916 Not a CONMEBOL member
Uruguay 1917
Brazil 1919
Chile 1920
Argentina 1921 Fourth place 4th 3 1 0 2 2 7 Squad
Brazil 1922 Runners-up 2nd 5 2 1 2 5 6 Squad
Uruguay 1923 Third place 3rd 3 1 0 2 4 6 Squad
Uruguay 1924 Third place 3rd 3 1 1 1 4 4 Squad
Argentina 1925 Third place 3rd 4 0 0 4 4 13 Squad
Chile 1926 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 8 20 Squad
Peru 1927 Did not enter
Argentina 1929 Runners-up 2nd 3 2 0 1 9 4 Squad
Peru 1935 Did not enter
Argentina 1937 Fourth place 4th 5 2 0 3 8 16 Squad
Peru 1939 Third place 3rd 4 2 0 2 9 8 Squad
Chile 1941 Did not enter
Uruguay 1942 Fourth place 4th 6 2 2 2 11 10 Squad
Chile 1945 Did not enter
Argentina 1946 Third place 3rd 5 2 1 2 8 8 Squad
Ecuador 1947 Runners-up 2nd 7 5 1 1 16 11 Squad
Brazil 1949 Runners-up 2nd 8 6 0 2 21 13 Squad
Peru 1953 Champions 1st 7 4 2 1 14 8 Squad
Chile 1955 Fifth place 5th 5 1 1 3 7 14 Squad
Uruguay 1956 Fifth place 5th 5 0 2 3 3 8 Squad
Peru 1957 Did not enter
Argentina 1959 Third place 3rd 6 3 0 3 12 12 Squad
Ecuador 1959 Fifth place 5th 4 0 1 3 6 11 Squad
Bolivia 1963 Runners-up 2nd 6 4 1 1 13 7 Squad
Uruguay 1967 Fourth place 4th 5 2 0 3 9 13 Squad
1975 Group stage 7th 4 1 1 2 5 5 Squad
1979 Champions 1st 9 4 4 1 13 7 Squad
1983 Third place 3rd 2 0 2 0 1 1 Squad
Argentina 1987 Group stage 9th 2 0 1 1 0 3 Squad
Brazil 1989 Fourth place 4th 7 3 1 3 9 10 Squad
Chile 1991 Group stage 6th 4 2 0 2 7 8 Squad
Ecuador 1993 Quarter-finals 8th 4 1 1 2 2 7 Squad
Uruguay 1995 6th 4 2 1 1 6 5 Squad
Bolivia 1997 7th 4 1 1 2 2 5 Squad
Paraguay 1999 6th 4 2 2 0 6 1 Squad
Colombia 2001 Group stage 10th 3 0 2 1 4 6 Squad
Peru 2004 Quarter-finals 5th 4 2 1 1 5 5 Squad
Venezuela 2007 5th 4 2 0 2 8 8 Squad
Argentina 2011 Runners-up 2nd 6 0 5 1 5 8 Squad
Chile 2015 Fourth place 4th 6 1 3 2 6 12 Squad
United States 2016 Group stage 12th 3 0 1 2 1 3 Squad
Brazil 2019 Quarter-finals 8th 4 0 3 1 3 4 Squad
Brazil 2021 6th 5 2 1 2 8 6 Squad
United States 2024 Group stage 14th 3 0 0 3 3 8 Squad
Total 2 Titles 39/44 180 64 43 73 267 311 —

Pan American Games

[edit]
Pan American Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Argentina 1951 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 5 14
Mexico 1955 Did not participate
United States 1959
Brazil 1963
Canada 1967
Colombia 1971
Mexico 1975
Puerto Rico 1979
Venezuela 1983
United States 1987 Preliminary round 9th 3 0 2 1 1 8
Cuba 1991 Did not qualify
Argentina 1995 Quarter-finals 7th 4 2 0 2 4 3
Since 1999 See Paraguay national under-23 football team
Total Fourth place 3/12 11 3 2 6 10 25

Head-to-head record

[edit]
Main article: Paraguay national football team records and statistics

Below is a result summary of all matches Paraguay have played against FIFA recognized teams.[71]

As of 19 November 2024

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

  1. ^ Includes matches against  Yugoslavia.

Honours

[edit]

Major competitions

[edit]

Friendly

[edit]
  • Copa Chevallier Boutell (2): 1925 (shared), 1945 (II)[72]
  • Copa Félix Bogado (2): 1977, 1983[73]
  • Copa Trompowski: 1950[74]
  • Copa Artigas: 1975 (shared)[75]
  • Copa Paz del Chaco (6): 1963, 1977, 1980, 1991, 1995, 2003[76]
  • Copa Boquerón: 1988[77]
  • Lunar New Year Cup: 1968

Summary

[edit]
Senior competition 1st place, gold medalist(s) 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Total
Copa América 2 6 7 15
Total 2 6 7 15

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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