Paraguay's World Cup Journey: From Defeat to Triumph

WHO:

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay's manager is Gustavo Alfaro.

Yahoo Sports - Key players include Matías Galarza, Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, and José Canale.

WHAT:

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay returned to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay lost to the United States 4-1 in their opening match.

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay won against Turkey 1-0, with a goal from Matías Galarza.

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay drew 0-0 with Australia to advance to the knockout stages.

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay lost to France 1-0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the only goal from a penalty.

WHERE:

Yahoo Sports - The opening match against the United States took place in Los Angeles.

Yahoo Sports - The match against France was held in Philadelphia.

WHEN:

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay will host one of the matches during the centenary celebrations of the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

WHY:

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay aimed to get out of the group stage after a poor start in the tournament.

HOW:

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay employed a highly organized defensive structure to make themselves hard to beat.

Yahoo Sports - Paraguay's strategy included packing the box aggressively and forcing turnovers with pressing in their own half.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 01:30 UTC)

Paraguay's national soccer team, managed by Gustavo Alfaro, made a notable return to the World Cup after 16 years, although they faced a tough start with a 4-1 loss to the United States in their opening match in Los Angeles. Despite this setback, they bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Turkey, thanks to a goal from Matías Galarza, and advanced to the knockout stages after a goalless draw with Australia, ultimately defeating Germany in a thrilling penalty shootout. However, their journey ended with a narrow 1-0 loss to France in Philadelphia, where Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive penalty, while Paraguay is set to host one of the matches during the centenary celebrations of the FIFA World Cup in 2030.