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For its centenary, FIFA seriously considers a 64-team World Cup in 2030Football

For its centenary, FIFA seriously considers a 64-team World Cup in 2030

FIFA is moving quickly toward expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, a shift that could take effect as early as the 2030 edition, exceptionally hosted across three continents.

August 3, 2026
A Deal Through 2030 and an Early Warning — Klopp Sets His Own Rules in GermanyNational Teams

A Deal Through 2030 and an Early Warning — Klopp Sets His Own Rules in Germany

Klopp succeeds Nagelsmann as Germany head coach on a deal through 2030, sets boundaries around his family, and promises surprises.

July 25, 2026
France vs England: World Cup 3rd PlaceFIFA World Cup 2026

France vs England: World Cup 3rd Place

Kick-off time, stadium, probable lineups and head-to-head history: everything to know about the France vs England third-place match at the 2026 World Cup.

July 17, 2026
Klopp, Germany's new head coach: contract, salary and staff, all you need to knowTransfers

Klopp, Germany's new head coach: contract, salary and staff, all you need to know

After Julian Nagelsmann was sacked following Germany's round-of-32 exit to Paraguay on penalties, Jürgen Klopp has agreed a deal with the German federation to take charge of Die Mannschaft through the 2030 World Cup.

July 11, 2026
Vozinha, Cape Verde's revelation, courted by Inter Miami and half a dozen other clubsTransfers

Vozinha, Cape Verde's revelation, courted by Inter Miami and half a dozen other clubs

From an unknown goalkeeper in Portugal's second division to a global phenomenon followed by over 28 million people, Vozinha, Cape Verde's hero at the 2026 World Cup, is receiving offers from Inter Miami and clubs around the world.

July 10, 2026
Kylian Mbappé at the 2026 World Cup: France's talisman shares the top scorer spotFIFA World Cup 2026

Kylian Mbappé at the 2026 World Cup: France's talisman shares the top scorer spot

Between a decisive goal against Paraguay, a missed penalty versus Morocco, and a goal plus assist that sent France into the semi-final, Kylian Mbappé continues to stand out as one of the 2026 World Cup's key figures, with 8 goals to his name.

July 10, 2026

Standings

PDIFFPTS
Qualification
1USA3+46
2Australia304
3Türkiye3-23
4Paraguay3-24
Rules and legend
  • Qualification
  • Relegation

Trophies

Total titles
2 titles
Copa América
1979 | 1953
2

History of the Paraguay national team

Founding and Early Years

The Paraguay national team, nicknamed "La Albirroja," is governed by the Paraguayan Football Association (APF), founded in 1906, one of the oldest football associations in South America. It established itself in the mid-20th century as a respected force on the continent.

Team Evolution

Known for its defensive solidity and fighting spirit, Paraguay's national team built its identity on stunning upsets against much higher-ranked opponents, confirmed once again at the 2026 World Cup.

Great Managers

Gustavo Alfaro, the Argentine head coach, now leads La Albirroja and guided them to one of the greatest shocks of the 2026 World Cup by eliminating Germany on penalties.

Iconic Players

José Luis Chilavert, an iconic goalkeeper known for scoring from free kicks and penalties, and Roque Santa Cruz, a prominent striker who played for Bayern Munich, rank among the greatest stars of Paraguayan football. Gustavo Gómez, the current captain, now carries that legacy forward.

Major Achievements

Paraguay have won two Copa América titles (1953, 1979) and reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, their best-ever World Cup result. At the 2026 World Cup, La Albirroja reached the Round of 16 before losing to France (0-1), having eliminated Germany on penalties in the Round of 32 (1-1 after extra time).

The Team Today

Under Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay rank among the respected nations of the South American continent in the FIFA World Ranking.

Frequently asked questions

When is Paraguay's next match?+

Paraguay face Bolivia on 27 September 2026.

What is Paraguay's current standing?+

Paraguay are currently 7 in World Cup 2026 with 4 points.

How many Copa América titles has Paraguay won?+

Two: 1953 and 1979.

Who is Paraguay's captain?+

Gustavo Gómez, the team's current captain.

What is Paraguay's best World Cup result?+

The quarter-finals in 2010.

How did Paraguay's 2026 World Cup end?+

They were eliminated in the Round of 16 by France (0-1), after eliminating Germany on penalties in the Round of 32.

Who is Paraguay's current head coach?+

Gustavo Alfaro, the Argentine head coach.