Paraguay national football team

The beginning (1900–1930)

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.^[3]

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)

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.^[4]

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)

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.^[5]

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.^[6]

The golden generation (1998–2011)

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.^[7] 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

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

Pos	Team v t e	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

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.^[8] 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.^[9] 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

Group A

Team v t e	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

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.^[10]

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

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.

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 v t e	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

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).^[11][12]

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.^[13]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.^[14]

2004 Copa América

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

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]}

Pos	Team v t e	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

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.

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

Group C

Team v t e	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

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.^[16] 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.^[17] 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,^[18] 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.^[19]

2010 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay commenced their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0–0 away draw against Peru.^[23] 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,^[24][25] 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.^[26]

Paraguay travelled to Argentina.^[27] 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.^[28] Paraguay then earned two 1–0 victories against Colombia and Peru.^[29][30] 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^[31] and a 1–1 away draw against Ecuador,^[32] By June, Paraguay suffered a 2–0 home defeat at the hands of Chile,^[33] Paraguay were defeated 2–1 away against Brazil.^[34] 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.^[35] Qualification was secured in the next fixture against Argentina on 9 September, when Paraguay won 1–0.^[36] Paraguay concluded the qualification campaign with a 2–1 away victory against Venezuela and a 2–0 home loss against Colombia.^[37][38] 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]}

Pos	Team v t e	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

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.^[39] The final squad consisted of 9 European based players.^[40]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.^[41] They then beat Slovakia 2–0^[42] and played out a 0–0 draw with New Zealand, to finish first in the group.^[43]

Paraguay were drawn against Japan in the second round, and won a penalty shoot-out 5–3 after a 0–0 draw.^[44] The win meant that Paraguay advanced to the last eight for the first time.^[45]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.^[46] After the match, Gerardo Martino stated that he would be leaving his position at the end of his contract.

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. Paraguay 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. Paraguay lost 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

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.^[47] Four days later, Paraguay drew with Uruguay 1–1. Paraguay earned their first win of the qualifiers when they defeated Ecuador 2–1.^[48] 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.^[49] 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.^[50] This string of losses placed Paraguay at the bottom of the table.

Paraguay ended their losing streak when they defeated Peru 1–0, only their second win of the qualifiers.^[51] Paraguay's then tied Uruguay 1–1.^[52] Paraguay were defeated 4–1 against Ecuador.^[53]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.^[54] 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.^[55] 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 position of the table, having gained just 12 points from three wins and having been defeated ten times.^[56] 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

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.^[57]

Copa América Centenario

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.^[58][59] Santa Cruz suffered an injured and was later replaced by Antonio Sanabria.^[60]

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.^[61][62] 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.^[63][64][65] 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.^[66] 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."^[67]

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
Adidas	1979-1980
Textil Paraná	1981–1983
Rainha	1984-1986
Sportman	1987–1990
Textil Paraná	1991–1992
Ennerre	1993–1994
Reebok	1995–1998
Puma	1999–2006
Adidas	2007–2019
Puma	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

2023

Paraguay  v  Nicaragua

18 June Friendly	Paraguay	2–0	Nicaragua	Asunción, Paraguay
10:30 UTC−4	Almirón 62' Balbuena 78'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco Attendance: Gustavo Tejeda (Uruguay)

Paraguay  v  Peru

7 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	0–0	Peru	Ciudad del Este, Paraguay
18:30 UTC−4		Report		Stadium: Estadio Antonio Aranda Attendance: 16,211 Referee: Andrés Matonte (Uruguay)

Venezuela  v  Paraguay

12 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Venezuela	1–0	Paraguay	Maturín, Venezuela
18:00 UTC−4	Rondón 90+3' (pen.)	Report		Stadium: Estadio Monumental Attendance: 34,187 Referee: Andrés Rojas (Colombia)

Argentina  v  Paraguay

12 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Argentina	1–0	Paraguay	Buenos Aires, Argentina
21:00 UTC−3	Otamendi 3'	Report		Stadium: Más Monumental Attendance: 80,000 Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)

Paraguay  v  Bolivia

17 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	1–0	Bolivia	Asunción, Paraguay
19:30 UTC−3	Sanabria 69'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco Attendance: 30,681 Referee: Gustavo Tejera (Uruguay)

Chile  v  Paraguay

16 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Chile	0–0	Paraguay	Santiago, Chile
21:30 UTC−3		Report		Stadium: Estadio Monumental David Arellano Attendance: 30,076 Referee: Fernando Rapallini (Argentina)

Paraguay  v  Colombia

21 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	0–1	Colombia	Asunción, Paraguay
20:00 UTC−3		Report	Borré 11' (pen.)	Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco Attendance: 25,190 Referee: Jesús Valenzuela (Venezuela)

2024

Russia  v  Paraguay

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.

Peru  v  Paraguay

7 June Friendly	Peru	v	Paraguay	Lima, Peru
20:45 UTC+1				Stadium: Estadio Monumental

Chile  v  Paraguay

11 June Friendly	Chile	v	Paraguay	Santiago, Chile
21:00 UTC−3				Stadium: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos

Panama  v  Paraguay

16 June Friendly	Panama	v	Paraguay	Panama City, Panama
17:30 UTC−5				Stadium: Estadio Rommel Fernández

Colombia  v  Paraguay

24 June 2024 Copa América	Colombia	v	Paraguay	Houston, United States
17:00 UTC−5				Stadium: NRG Stadium

Paraguay  v  Brazil

28 June 2024 Copa América	Paraguay	v	Brazil	Paradise, United States
18:00 UTC−7				Stadium: Allegiant Stadium

Costa Rica  v  Paraguay

2 July 2024 Copa América	Costa Rica	v	Paraguay	Austin, United States
20:00 UTC−5				Stadium: Q2 Stadium

Uruguay  v  Paraguay

September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Uruguay	v	Paraguay	Montevideo, Uruguay
--:-- UTC−3				Stadium: Estadio Centenario

Paraguay  v  Brazil

September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	v	Brazil	Asunción, Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3				Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco

Ecuador  v  Paraguay

October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Ecuador	v	Paraguay	Ecuador
--:-- UTC−5

Paraguay  v  Venezuela

October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	v	Venezuela	Asunción, Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3				Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco

Paraguay  v  Argentina

November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	v	Argentina	Asunción, Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3				Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco

Bolivia  v  Paraguay

November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Bolivia	v	Paraguay	La Paz, Bolivia
--:-- UTC−3				Stadium: Estadio Hernando Siles

2025

Paraguay  v  Chile

March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	v	Chile	Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3

Colombia  v  Paraguay

March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Colombia	v	Paraguay	Colombia
--:-- UTC−3

Paraguay  v  Uruguay

June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	v	Uruguay	Paraguay
--:-- UTC−5

Brazil  v  Paraguay

June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Brazil	v	Paraguay	Brazil
--:-- UTC−3

Paraguay  v  Ecuador

September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Paraguay	v	Ecuador	Paraguay
--:-- UTC−3

Peru  v  Paraguay

September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Peru	v	Paraguay	Peru
--:-- UTC−3

Current squad

The following players were called up for the friendly match against Russia on 25 March 2024.^[68][69] The game was cancelled due to the Crocus City Hall attack.^[70]

Caps and goals current as of 21 November 2023, after the match against Colombia.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Roberto Júnior Fernández	(1988-03-29) 29 March 1988 (age 36)	18	0	Botafogo
	1GK	Carlos Coronel	(1996-12-29) 29 December 1996 (age 27)	6	0	New York Red Bulls
	1GK	Alfredo Aguilar	(1988-07-18) 18 July 1988 (age 35)	3	0	Sportivo Luqueño
	2DF	Júnior Alonso	(1993-02-09) 9 February 1993 (age 31)	52	2	Krasnodar
	2DF	Fabián Balbuena	(1991-08-23) 23 August 1991 (age 32)	36	2	Dynamo Moscow
	2DF	Robert Rojas	(1996-04-30) 30 April 1996 (age 27)	26	1	Vasco da Gama
	2DF	Omar Alderete	(1996-12-26) 26 December 1996 (age 27)	15	0	Getafe
	2DF	Matías Espinoza	(1997-09-19) 19 September 1997 (age 26)	4	0	Libertad
	2DF	Roberto Fernández	(2000-06-07) 7 June 2000 (age 23)	0	0	Dynamo Moscow
	2DF	Gustavo Velázquez	(1991-04-17) 17 April 1991 (age 33)	0	0	Newell's Old Boys
	3MF	Miguel Almirón	(1994-02-10) 10 February 1994 (age 30)	53	7	Newcastle United
	3MF	Mathías Villasanti	(1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 (age 27)	34	0	Grêmio
	3MF	Alejandro Romero Gamarra	(1995-01-11) 11 January 1995 (age 29)	18	5	Al Ain
	3MF	Andrés Cubas	(1996-05-22) 22 May 1996 (age 27)	17	0	Vancouver Whitecaps
	3MF	Jesús Medina	(1997-04-30) 30 April 1997 (age 26)	9	0	Spartak Moscow
	3MF	Diego Gómez	(2003-03-27) 27 March 2003 (age 21)	7	0	Inter Miami
	3MF	Ramón Sosa	(1999-08-31) 31 August 1999 (age 24)	7	0	Talleres
	3MF	Iván Ramírez	(1994-12-08) 8 December 1994 (age 29)	4	0	Libertad
	3MF	Hernesto Caballero	(1991-04-09) 9 April 1991 (age 33)	2	0	Libertad
	3MF	Damián Bobadilla	(2001-07-11) 11 July 2001 (age 22)	0	0	São Paulo
	3MF	Fabrizio Peralta	(2002-08-02) 2 August 2002 (age 21)	0	0	Cerro Porteño
	4FW	Ángel Romero	(1992-07-04) 4 July 1992 (age 31)	41	8	Corinthians
	4FW	Julio Enciso	(2004-01-23) 23 January 2004 (age 20)	11	0	Brighton & Hove Albion
	4FW	Adam Bareiro	(1996-07-26) 26 July 1996 (age 27)	3	0	San Lorenzo
	4FW	Alex Arce	(1995-06-16) 16 June 1995 (age 28)	0	0	LDU Quito

Recent call-ups

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	Santiago Rojas	(1996-04-05) 5 April 1996 (age 28)	2	0	Atlético Nacional	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
GK	Juan Espínola	(1994-11-02) 2 November 1994 (age 29)	1	0	Olimpia	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
GK	Antony Silva	(1984-02-27) 27 February 1984 (age 40)	56	0	Nacional	v.  Nicaragua, 18 June 2023
GK	Aldo Pérez	(2000-11-03) 3 November 2000 (age 23)	0	0	Guaraní	v.  Nicaragua, 18 June 2023
DF	Gustavo Gómez (captain)	(1993-05-06) 6 May 1993 (age 30)	72	4	Palmeiras	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
DF	Juan Cáceres	(2000-06-01) 1 June 2000 (age 23)	3	0	Lanús	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
DF	Néstor Giménez	(1997-07-24) 24 July 1997 (age 26)	0	0	Libertad	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
DF	Santiago Arzamendia	(1998-05-05) 5 May 1998 (age 25)	23	0	Cerro Porteño	v.  Bolivia, 17 October 2023
DF	Alberto Espínola	(1991-02-08) 8 February 1991 (age 33)	12	0	Unattached	v.  Bolivia, 17 October 2023
DF	Mateo Gamarra	(2000-10-20) 20 October 2000 (age 23)	3	0	Athletico Paranaense	v.  Bolivia, 17 October 2023
DF	Iván Piris	(1989-03-10) 10 March 1989 (age 35)	37	0	Libertad	v.  Venezuela, 12 September 2023
DF	Blas Riveros	(1998-02-03) 3 February 1998 (age 26)	13	0	Talleres	v.  Venezuela, 12 September 2023
DF	Bruno Valdez	(1992-10-06) 6 October 1992 (age 31)	32	1	Cerro Porteño	v.  Nicaragua, 18 June 2023
DF	Alexis Cantero	(2003-02-05) 5 February 2003 (age 21)	0	0	Guaraní	v.  Nicaragua, 18 June 2023
MF	Richard Sánchez	(1996-03-29) 29 March 1996 (age 28)	34	1	América	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
MF	Matías Rojas	(1995-11-03) 3 November 1995 (age 28)	17	1	Corinthians	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
MF	Gastón Giménez	(1991-07-27) 27 July 1991 (age 32)	9	1	Chicago Fire	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
MF	Álvaro Campuzano	(1995-06-12) 12 June 1995 (age 28)	4	0	Libertad	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
MF	Matías Galarza	(2002-02-11) 11 February 2002 (age 22)	4	0	Talleres	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
MF	Iván Leguizamón	(2002-07-03) 3 July 2002 (age 21)	1	0	San Lorenzo	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
MF	Braian Ojeda	(2000-06-27) 27 June 2000 (age 23)	8	0	Real Salt Lake	v.  Bolivia, 17 October 2023
MF	Cristhian Paredes	(1998-05-18) 18 May 1998 (age 25)	6	0	Portland Timbers	v.  Argentina, 12 October 2023 INJ
MF	Richard Ortiz	(1990-05-22) 22 May 1990 (age 33)	39	6	Olimpia	v.  Venezuela, 12 September 2023
FW	Antonio Sanabria	(1996-03-04) 4 March 1996 (age 28)	32	3	Torino	v.  Russia, 25 March 2024 INJ
FW	Óscar Cardozo	(1983-05-20) 20 May 1983 (age 40)	57	12	Libertad	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
FW	Gabriel Ávalos	(1990-10-12) 12 October 1990 (age 33)	16	2	Independiente	v.  Colombia, 21 November 2023
FW	Héctor Villalba	(1994-07-26) 26 July 1994 (age 29)	4	0	Libertad	v.  Bolivia, 17 October 2023
FW	Carlos González	(1993-02-03) 3 February 1993 (age 31)	16	0	Tijuana	v.  Venezuela, 12 September 2023
FW	Robert Morales	(1999-03-17) 17 March 1999 (age 25)	2	1	Toluca	v.  Venezuela, 12 September 2023
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

As of 21 November 2023.^[71]

Players in bold are still active at international level.

Most caps

Most goals

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
1930	Group stage	9th	2	1	0	1	1	3	Squad		Qualified as invitees
1934	Did not enter										Declined participation
1938
1950	Group stage	11th	2	0	1	1	2	4	Squad		Qualified automatically
1954	Did not qualify										4	2	0	2	8	6
1958	Group stage	12th	3	1	1	1	9	12	Squad		4	3	0	1	11	4
1962	Did not qualify										2	0	1	1	0	1
1966											4	1	1	2	3	5
1970											6	4	0	2	6	5
1974											4	2	1	1	8	5
1978											4	1	2	1	3	3
1982											4	1	0	3	3	6
1986	Round of 16	13th	4	1	2	1	4	6	Squad		8	3	3	2	14	8
1990	Did not qualify										4	2	0	2	6	7
1994											6	1	4	1	6	7
1998	Round of 16	14th	4	1	2	1	3	2	Squad		16	9	2	5	21	14
2002		16th	4	1	1	2	6	7	Squad		18	9	3	6	29	23
2006	Group stage	18th	3	1	0	2	2	2	Squad		18	8	4	6	23	23
2010	Quarter-finals	8th	5	1	3	1	3	2	Squad		18	10	3	5	24	16
2014	Did not qualify										16	3	3	10	17	31
2018											18	7	3	8	19	25
2022											18	3	7	8	12	26
2026	Qualification in progress										6	1	2	3	1	3
2030	Qualified as commemorative match hosts										Qualified as commemorative match hosts
2034	To be determined										To be determined
Total	Quarter-finals	8/22	27	7	10	10	30	38	—		178	70	39	69	214	218

*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Copa América

South American Championship / Copa América record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Squad
1916	Did not enter
1917
1919
1920
1921	Fourth place	4th	3	1	0	2	2	7	Squad
1922	Runners-up	2nd	5	2	1	2	5	6	Squad
1923	Third place	3rd	3	1	0	2	4	6	Squad
1924	Third place	3rd	3	1	1	1	4	4	Squad
1925	Third place	3rd	4	0	0	4	4	13	Squad
1926	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	8	20	Squad
1927	Did not enter
1929	Runners-up	2nd	3	2	0	1	9	4	Squad
1935	Did not enter
1937	Fourth place	4th	5	2	0	3	8	16	Squad
1939	Third place	3rd	4	2	0	2	9	8	Squad
1941	Did not enter
1942	Fourth place	4th	6	2	2	2	11	10	Squad
1945	Did not enter
1946	Third place	3rd	5	2	1	2	8	8	Squad
1947	Runners-up	2nd	7	5	1	1	16	11	Squad
1949	Runners-up	2nd	8	6	0	2	21	13	Squad
1953	Champions	1st	7	4	2	1	14	8	Squad
1955	Fifth place	5th	5	1	1	3	7	14	Squad
1956	Fifth place	5th	5	0	2	3	3	8	Squad
1957	Did not enter
1959	Third place	3rd	6	3	0	3	12	12	Squad
1959	Fifth place	5th	4	0	1	3	6	11	Squad
1963	Runners-up	2nd	6	4	1	1	13	7	Squad
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
1987	Group stage	9th	2	0	1	1	0	3	Squad
1989	Fourth place	4th	7	3	1	3	9	10	Squad
1991	Group stage	6th	4	2	0	2	7	8	Squad
1993	Quarter-finals	8th	4	1	1	2	2	7	Squad
1995		6th	4	2	1	1	6	5	Squad
1997		7th	4	1	1	2	2	5	Squad
1999		6th	4	2	2	0	6	1	Squad
2001	Group stage	10th	3	0	2	1	4	6	Squad
2004	Quarter-finals	5th	4	2	1	1	5	5	Squad
2007		5th	4	2	0	2	8	8	Squad
2011	Runners-up	2nd	6	0	5	1	5	8	Squad
2015	Fourth place	4th	6	1	3	2	6	12	Squad
2016	Group stage	12th	3	0	1	2	1	3	Squad
2019	Quarter-finals	8th	4	0	3	1	3	4	Squad
2021		6th	5	2	1	2	8	6	Squad
2024	Qualified
Total	2 Titles	38/47	177	64	43	70	264	303	—

Pan American Games

Pan American Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1951	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	5	14
1955	Did not participate
1959
1963
1967
1971
1975
1979
1983
1987	Preliminary round	9th	3	0	2	1	1	8
1991	Did not qualify
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

Below is a result summary of all matches Paraguay have played against FIFA recognized teams.^[72]

As of 21 November 2023.

  Positive Record  Neutral Record  Negative Record

Opponents	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Win %
Argentina	107	16	35	56	111	218	-107	14.9%
Armenia	2	1	0	1	3	2	+1	50%
Australia	5	0	3	2	2	4	-2	0%
Austria	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Bahrain	1	1	0	0	2	1	+1	100%
Belgium	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	33.3%
Bolivia	70	36	18	16	135	74	+61	51.4%
Bosnia and Herzegovina	1	1	0	0	3	0	+3	100%
Brazil	82	11	22	49	66	179	−113	13.4%
Bulgaria	2	1	1	0	1	0	+1	50%
Cameroon	1	1	0	0	2	1	+1	100%
Canada	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Chile	67	29	8	30	93	93	0	43.2%
China	3	1	1	1	4	3	+1	33.3%
Colombia	50	18	9	23	52	60	-8	36%
Costa Rica	9	3	3	3	6	5	+1	33.3%
Czech Republic	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0%
Denmark	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	0%
Ecuador	40	22	6	12	72	52	+20	55%
El Salvador	6	6	0	0	11	1	+10	100%
England	3	0	0	3	0	8	-8	0%
France	5	0	2	3	4	14	-10	0%
Georgia	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Germany	2	0	1	1	3	4	-1	0%
Greece	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2	100%
Guadeloupe	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2	100%
Guatemala	11	9	2	0	25	10	+15	81.8%
Honduras	7	2	4	1	9	6	+3	37.5%
Hong Kong	2	1	1	0	8	1	+7	50%
Hungary	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	0%
Indonesia	1	1	0	0	3	2	+1	100%
Iran	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	0%
Iraq	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Italy	3	0	1	2	2	6	-4	0%
Ivory Coast	2	0	2	0	3	3	0	0%
Jamaica	6	4	0	2	11	7	+4	66.6%
Japan	11	2	4	5	10	15	-5	18.1%
Jordan	1	1	0	0	4	2	+2	100%
Martinique	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2	100%
Mexico	21	5	5	11	17	37	-20	23.8%
Morocco	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Netherlands	2	0	1	1	1	3	-2	0%
New Zealand	3	2	1	0	5	2	+3	66.6%
Nicaragua	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2	100%
Nigeria	2	1	1	0	4	2	+2	50%
North Korea	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
North Macedonia	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Norway	1	0	1	0	2	2	0	0%
Oman	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Panama	5	4	1	0	9	1	+8	80%
Peru	58	24	15	19	78	67	+11	41.3%
Poland	1	1	0	0	4	0	+4	100%
Portugal	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Qatar	4	1	2	1	6	5	+1	25%
Republic of Ireland	2	0	0	2	1	4	−3	0%
Romania	2	1	0	1	4	3	+1	50%
Saudi Arabia	3	0	3	0	1	1	0	0%
Scotland	1	1	0	0	3	2	+1	100%
Serbia[a]	4	1	1	2	6	6	0	25%
Slovakia	2	1	1	0	3	1	+2	50%
Slovenia	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2	100%
South Africa	5	1	3	1	6	7	−1	20%
South Korea	7	2	3	2	8	7	+1	28.5%
Spain	4	0	2	2	1	4	−3	0%
Sweden	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	33.3%
Togo	1	1	0	0	4	2	+2	100%
Trinidad and Tobago	3	1	2	0	5	3	+2	33.3%
Turkey	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
United Arab Emirates	2	1	1	0	1	0	+1	50%
United States	8	2	2	4	6	10	−4	25%
Uruguay	77	25	19	33	94	116	-22	32.4%
Venezuela	28	18	5	5	49	24	+25	64.2%
Wales	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Total (73)	772	272	203	297	995	1092	−97	35.2%

Official

• South American Championship/Copa América
  • Champions (2): 1953, 1979
  • Runners-up (6): 1922, 1929, 1947, 1949, 1963, 2011
  • Third place (7): 1923, 1924, 1925, 1939, 1946, 1959 (Argentina), 1983
  • Fourth place (7): 1921, 1926, 1937, 1942, 1967, 1989, 2015

South American Tournaments

• Copa Chevallier Boutell^[73] (vs  Argentina)
  • Winners (2): 1925 (shared), 1945 (II)
• Copa Félix Bogado^[74] (vs  Argentina)
  • Winners (2): 1977, 1983
• Copa Trompowski^[75] (vs  Uruguay)
  • Winners: 1950
• Copa Artigas^[76] (vs  Uruguay)
  • Winners: 1975 (shared)
• Copa Paz del Chaco^[77] (vs  Bolivia)
  • Winners (6): 1963, 1977, 1980, 1991, 1995, 2003

Friendlies

• Copa Boquerón^[78]
  • Winners: 1988
• Lunar New Year Cup
  • Winners: 1968

• Paraguay national under-23 football team
• Paraguay national under-20 football team
• Paraguay national under-17 football team
• Paraguay national futsal team
• Football in Paraguay

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paraguay national football team.

• Official site of the Paraguayan Football Association
• Paraguay FIFA profile
• RSSSF archive of results 1919–2004
• Planet World Cup archive of results in the World Cup
• Planet World Cup archive of squads in the World Cup
• Planet World Cup archive of results in the World Cup qualifiers
• Paraguayan Football Site