Paraguay national football team

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

Paraguay
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 40 1 (19 January 2026)[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; Guarani: Poravo Paraguáigua Vakapipopo pegua), nicknamed La Albirroja, represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions, and are controlled by the Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol (English: Paraguayan Football Association). Paraguay is a member of CONMEBOL. The Albirroja has qualified for ten FIFA World Cup competitions (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2026 and 2030), 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 Ranking was 8th in March 2001 and their lowest was 103rd in May 1995. Paraguay was awarded second place with Best Move of the Year in 1996 for their rise in the FIFA World Ranking.

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, for their performances in 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 goalscorer with 32 goals. Denis Caniza, who was part of 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

Main article: History of the Paraguay national football team

The beginning (1900–1930)

Soon after the introduction of football in Paraguay by Williams Paats, the Liga Paraguaya de Fútbol (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 that 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, to this day, remain as the official colours (taken from the Paraguayan flag). In late 1919, Paraguay accepted an invitation to play the 1921 South American Championship; in order to prepare for that event, a number of friendly matches were played between 1919 and 1921. The first of those friendly matches was a 5–1 loss against Argentina, the first international match played by Paraguay. When the 1921 South American Championship began, Paraguay defeated three-time South American champions Uruguay 2–1, with this being 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.

First taste of success (1930–1970)

In 1930, Paraguay participated in the first World Cup, organized by Uruguay. In the first round, Paraguay lost to the United States 0–3, before defeating Belgium 1–0 with a goal by Luis Vargas Peña. Only one team per group advanced from the first round, and the U.S. left Paraguay behind.

After participating in the 1929, 1947 and 1949 South American Championships (where Paraguay finished in second place), Paraguay returned to the World Cup in 1950, facing 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. Paraguay won their first South American Championship in 1953, played in Peru, after winning against Chile (3–0), Bolivia (2–1) and Brazil (2–1), and drawing 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 3–2.

For the 1958 World Cup, Paraguay 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)

With players such as Romerito, Carlos Alberto Kiese, Alicio Solalinde, Roberto Paredes, Hugo Ricardo Talavera and Eugenio Morel and manager Ranulfo Miranda,[5] Paraguay won the 1979 Copa América after finishing first in Group C (which consisted of 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 final, Paraguay defeated Chile by an aggregate score of 3–1 to claim its second continental crown.

Paraguay ended a 28-year absence from the World Cup in 1986; during their time in Mexico, the team defeated Iraq 1–0, and drew the hosts 1–1 and Belgium 2–2. 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] Despite this, new players such as Carlos Gamarra, Celso Ayala, José Luis Chilavert, Francisco Arce and José Cardozo emerged, becoming part of the "golden generation" that led Paraguay to three straight World Cups and noteworthy performances in continental competitions.

1998 FIFA World Cup

Main article: 1998 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay concluded the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup by finishing second, 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. Paraguay were drawn into Group D, alongside Bulgaria, Nigeria and Spain. Paraguay drew their first two matches 0–0, against Bulgaria and Spain.[8] Nigeria, who had already qualified for the second round after winning their first two matches, lost 3–1 to Paraguay, who finished second in the group.

Paraguay met hosts France (without Zinedine Zidane) in the round of 16 on 28 June, with a goalless 90 minutes. In the 114th minute of extra-time, Laurent Blanc scored to eliminate Paraguay with a golden goal.[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 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:
(H) Hosts

Paraguay were hosts of the 1999 Copa América, played in four cities throughout the country. Many of the 1998 World Cup players returned, to be coached by Ever Hugo Almeida. 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 lose 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 América, head coach Sergio Markarián selected a squad of mostly domestic based players. Paraguay were drawn against Peru, Mexico and Brazil. Their 12 July match against Peru ended 3–3. On 15 July, Paraguay drew 0–0 with Mexico, before Brazil's 3–1 win three days later in Paraguay's last group stage fixture.

2002 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay placed fourth in the 2002 World Cup qualifying process, qualifying for the tournament.

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

Cesare Maldini being appointed as coach in January 2002 caused controversy as domestic managers were overlooked (prompting the managers union to try to unsuccessfully expel him for immigration breaches).[11][12] They were in 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 ended in a 2–2 draw, before Spain defeated Paraguay 3–1 on 7 June. In the third group stage fixture against Slovenia, Paraguay won 3–1. Although Paraguay and South Africa had finished with four points each with a goal difference of 0, the Albirroja progressed due to having scored six goals while South Africa scored five.[13] Paraguay then faced Germany, who dominated the match, scoring in the 88th minute on their way to the final.[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. Having been drawn in 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 then drew 1–1 with Chile, then earned a 2–1 victory against Brazil, finishing undefeated in their group with seven points. Paraguay were drawn against Uruguay in the quarter-finals, being eliminated after losing 3–1.

2006 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay began the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign in 2003, completing the process by finishing fourth two years later, qualifying for their third consecutive 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

The team was drawn into Group B alongside England, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago. Paraguay faced England in their opening group stage match on 10 June, with the Three Lions winning 1–0. Paraguay failed to score against Sweden on 15 June, and were eliminated after just two group stage matches, with their only compensation being a 2–0 win against Trinidad and Tobago. Paraguay finished third in their group, and were the only South American team that did not advance past the first round. 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.

2007 Copa América

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:

Group C included Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, and the United States. 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 United States, Édgar Barreto opened the scoring in the 29th minute just before the USA's Ricardo Clark equalized 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.[17]

With both Paraguay and Argentina having obtained six points and qualifying from Group C, the two teams faced in their last group stage fixture with a second-string team. A 79th minute Javier Mascherano goal was enough to seal a 1–0 victory for Argentina,[18] as Paraguay advanced to the knockout stages to face Mexico. Mexico had already beaten Brazil in the group stage and had finished in first place in Group B. After Paraguayan goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla was sent off in the third minute, Paraguay conceded a penalty in the fifth 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] They followed this draw with four consecutive wins — against Urugauay (1–0), Ecuador (5–1), Chile (3–0), and Brazil (2–0) — to take the team to first place in the CONMEBOL standings after four matches,[24][25] staying there for nine consecutive rounds. Paraguay lost for the first time in qualifying in a 4–2 away defeat against Bolivia.[26] They eventually concluded qualifying with 33 points.

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

The 2010 World Cup saw Paraguay drawn into Group F alongside defending champions Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand, with the team facing Italy in their opening match and drawing 1–1, after taking the lead in the 39th minute.[27] They then beat Slovakia 2–0[28] and drew New Zealand 0–0, to finish first in the group.[29]

Paraguay then eliminated Japan in the round of 16, as they won a penalty shoot-out 5–3 after a 0–0 draw.[30] Paraguay advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time.[31] 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.[32] 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 paired with Group B with Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador, drawing all three matches to end up as the group's third-place team.

As one of the best third-placed teams that advanced, Paraguay won the rematch against Brazil. The match was decided via a penalty shoot out, with Paraguay winning in order to meet Venezuela in the semi-final. With another penalty shoot out, Paraguay won 5–3 to advance to their first final since 1979, where they lost to Uruguay. Despite the loss, Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar was awarded as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Gerardo Martino resigned soon afterwards as coach of the Albirroja.

2011–present

Throughout the duration of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Paraguay changed coaches three times, only to end up last in qualifying. The 2015 Copa América eventually saw Paraguay reach the semi-finals, after defeating Brazil in the quarter-finals on penalties. They were eliminated by Argentina by a score of 6–1.[33]

Paraguay finished last in their group in a special Copa América Centenario, and would eventually qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 16 years later.

Team image

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

Paraguay traditionally wears red and white shirts and blue shorts and socks.

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

Results and fixtures

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

2025

20 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  1–0  Chile Asunción, Paraguay
20:00 UTC−3
  • Alderete 60'
 Report Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Attendance: 31,193
Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
25 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Colombia  2–2  Paraguay Barranquilla, Colombia
19:00 UTC−5
Report
Stadium: Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez
Attendance: 42,262
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
5 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  2–0  Uruguay Asunción, Paraguay
20:00 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Attendance: 30,005
Referee: Darío Herrera (Argentina)
10 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Brazil  1–0  Paraguay São Paulo, Brazil
21:45 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Neo Química Arena
Attendance: 46,316
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
4 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Paraguay  0–0  Ecuador Asunción, Paraguay
20:30 UTC−3 Report Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
9 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Peru  0–1  Paraguay Lima, Peru
18:30 UTC−5 Report
Stadium: Estadio Nacional
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
10 October 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup Japan  2–2  Paraguay Suita, Japan
19:20 UTC+9
Report
Stadium: Suita City Football Stadium
Attendance: 34,169
Referee: Ko Hyung-jin (South Korea)
14 October Friendly South Korea  2–0  Paraguay Seoul, South Korea
20:00 UTC+9
Report Stadium: Seoul World Cup Stadium
Attendance: 22,206
Referee: Yusuke Araki (Japan)
15 November Friendly United States  2–1  Paraguay Chester, United States
17:00 UTC−5
Report
Stadium: Subaru Park
Attendance: 17,224
Referee: Cristhofer Corado (Guatemala)
18 November Friendly Mexico  1–2  Paraguay San Antonio, United States
19:30 UTC−6
Report
Stadium: Alamodome
Referee: Joseph Dickerson (United States)

2026

27 March Friendly Greece  v  Paraguay Piraeus, Greece
--:-- UTC+3 Stadium: Karaiskakis Stadium
31 March Friendly Paraguay  v  Morocco Lens, France
20:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Stade Bollaert-Delelis
12 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D United States  v  Paraguay Inglewood, California, United States
18:00 UTC−7 Report Stadium: SoFi Stadium
19 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D UEFA Path C winner v  Paraguay Santa Clara, California, United States
21:00 UTC−7 Report Stadium: Levi's Stadium
25 June 2026 FIFA World Cup (Group D) Paraguay  v  Australia Santa Clara, California, United States
19:00 UTC−7 Report Stadium: Levi's Stadium

Coaching staff

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

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up to the squad for the friendly matches against Greece and Morocco on 27 and 31 March 2026, respectively.[34][35]
Caps and goals current as of 18 November 2025, after the match against Mexico.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Roberto Fernández (1988-03-29) 29 March 1988 30 0 Cerro Porteño
1GK Orlando Gill (2000-06-11) 11 June 2000 4 0 San Lorenzo
1GK Gastón Olveira (1993-04-21) 21 April 1993 0 0 Olimpia
2DF Gustavo Gómez (captain) (1993-05-06) 6 May 1993 86 4 Palmeiras
2DF Júnior Alonso (1993-02-09) 9 February 1993 68 3 Atlético Mineiro
2DF Fabián Balbuena (1991-08-23) 23 August 1991 47 2 Grêmio
2DF Omar Alderete (1996-12-26) 26 December 1996 33 3 Sunderland
2DF Juan Cáceres (2000-06-01) 1 June 2000 15 0 Dynamo Moscow
2DF Gustavo Velázquez (1991-04-17) 17 April 1991 11 1 Cerro Porteño
2DF Alan Benítez (1994-01-25) 25 January 1994 7 0 Libertad
2DF José Canale (1996-07-20) 20 July 1996 0 0 Lanús
2DF Alexandro Maidana (2005-07-26) 26 July 2005 0 0 Talleres
3MF Miguel Almirón (1994-02-10) 10 February 1994 73 9 Atlanta United
3MF Alejandro Romero Gamarra (1995-01-11) 11 January 1995 32 5 Al Ain
3MF Ramón Sosa (1999-08-31) 31 August 1999 27 1 Palmeiras
3MF Diego Gómez (2003-03-27) 27 March 2003 21 2 Brighton & Hove Albion
3MF Damián Bobadilla (2001-07-11) 11 July 2001 17 1 São Paulo
3MF Braian Ojeda (2000-07-27) 27 July 2000 14 0 Orlando City
3MF Matías Galarza (2002-02-11) 11 February 2002 13 2 Atlanta United
3MF Lucas Romero (2002-08-29) 29 August 2002 1 0 Universidad de Chile
3MF Maurício (2001-06-22) 22 June 2001 0 0 Palmeiras
4FW Antonio Sanabria (1996-03-04) 4 March 1996 45 7 Cremonese
4FW Julio Enciso (2004-01-23) 23 January 2004 29 4 Strasbourg
4FW Gabriel Ávalos (1991-07-09) 9 July 1991 21 2 Independiente
4FW Álex Arce (1995-06-16) 16 June 1995 13 1 Independiente Rivadavia
4FW Gustavo Caballero (2001-09-21) 21 September 2001 0 0 Portsmouth

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 Aldo Pérez (2000-11-03) 3 November 2000 0 0 Guaraní v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
GK Juan Espínola (1994-11-02) 2 November 1994 1 0 Barracas Central v.  South Korea, 14 October 2025
GK Carlos Coronel (1996-12-29) 29 December 1996 9 0 São Paulo v.  Peru, 9 September 2025
DF Blas Riveros (1998-02-03) 3 February 1998 15 0 Cerro Porteño v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
DF Agustín Sández (2001-01-16) 16 January 2001 5 0 Rosario Central v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
DF Alexis Duarte (2000-03-12) 12 March 2000 1 0 Libertad v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
DF Ronaldo Dejesús (2001-04-21) 21 April 2001 0 0 Lanús v.  Brazil, 10 June 2025
DF Saúl Salcedo (1997-08-29) 29 August 1997 6 1 Newell's Old Boys v.  Colombia, 25 March 2025
MF Andrés Cubas (1996-05-22) 22 May 1996 32 0 Vancouver Whitecaps v.  Greece, 27 March 2026 INJ
MF Diego González (2003-01-07) 7 January 2003 4 0 Atlas v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
MF Hugo Cuenca (2005-01-08) 8 January 2005 3 0 Burgos v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
MF Diego León (2007-04-03) 3 April 2007 1 0 Manchester United v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
MF Mathías Villasanti (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 51 0 Grêmio v.  Brazil, 10 June 2025
MF Rubén Lezcano (2004-02-09) 9 February 2004 0 0 Olimpia v.  Brazil, 10 June 2025
FW Ronaldo Martínez (1996-04-25) 25 April 1996 4 0 Talleres v.  Mexico, 18 November 2025
FW Ángel Romero (1992-07-04) 4 July 1992 51 8 Boca Juniors v.  South Korea, 14 October 2025
FW Adrián Alcaraz (1999-09-28) 28 September 1999 0 0 Olimpia v.  Peru, 9 September 2025
FW Rodney Redes (2000-02-22) 22 February 2000 0 0 LDU Quito v.  Peru, 9 September 2025
FW Isidro Pitta (1999-08-14) 14 August 1999 5 0 Red Bull Bragantino v.  Brazil, 10 June 2025

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

As of 18 November 2025.[36]
Players in bold are still active at international level.

Most caps

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 Gustavo Gómez 86 4 2013–present
9 Celso Ayala 85 6 1993–2003
10 José Saturnino Cardozo 82 25 1991–2006

Most 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

FIFA World Cup

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
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 Qualified 18 7 7 4 14 10
2030 Qualified as commemorative match hosts Qualified as commemorative match hosts
2034 To be determined To be determined
Total Quarter-finals 9/22 27 7 10 10 30 38 — 190 76 44 70 227 225
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Copa América

Main article: Paraguay at the Copa América
South American Championship / Copa América record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
1916 Not a CONMEBOL member
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 13th 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 Group stage 14th 3 0 0 3 3 8 Squad
Total 2 Titles 39/44 180 64 43 73 267 311 —

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

Head-to-head record

Main article: Paraguay national football team records and statistics

Below is a result summary of all matches Paraguay have played against FIFA recognized teams.[37]

As of 18 November 2025

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

  1. ^ Includes matches against Yugoslavia.

Honours

Continental

Friendly

  • Copa Chevallier Boutell[38] (2): 1925s, 1945
  • Copa Trompowski[39] (1): 1950
  • Copa Paz del Chaco[40] (6): 1963, 1977, 1980, 1991, 1995, 2003
  • Lunar New Year Cup (1): 1968
  • Copa Artigas[41] (1): 1975s
  • Copa Félix Bogado[42] (2): 1973, 1983
  • Copa Boquerón[43] (1): 1988

Summary

Competition Total
CONMEBOL Copa América 2 6 7 15
Total 2 6 7 15
Notes
  • s Shared titles.

See also

References

  1. ^ Gustavo Alfaro será presentado el viernes como nuevo DT de Paraguay
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  3. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  4. ^ [1] Archived 2 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ "Copa Amжrica 1979". RSSSF. 5 March 2015. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  6. ^ [2] Archived 18 August 2004 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Since 1992, squads for Football at the Summer Olympics have been restricted to three players over the age of 23. The achievements of such teams are not usually included in the statistics of the international team.
  8. ^ "FIFA World Cup Archive". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  9. ^ "FIFA World Cup Archive". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  10. ^ "El historial del galardon". Archivo.abc.com.py. Archived from the original (JPG) on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  11. ^ "BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Paraguay | Chilavert backs Maldini". BBC News. 26 April 2002. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  12. ^ "BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Squad | Cesare Maldini". BBC News. 10 April 2002. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  13. ^ "BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Slovenia v Paraguay | Paraguay snatch vital win". BBC News. 12 June 2002. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  14. ^ "BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Germany v Paraguay | Germany edge out Paraguay". BBC News. 15 June 2002. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  15. ^ "Gerardo Martino asumirá como técnico de la selección paraguaya". Emol.com. 30 June 2006. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  16. ^ "Copa America – Paraguay vs Colombia – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 29 June 2007. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  17. ^ "Copa America – United States vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 3 July 2007. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  18. ^ "Copa America – Argentina vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 6 July 2007. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  19. ^ "Copa America – Mexico vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 8 July 2007. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  20. ^ "CONMEBOL coaches have their say — FIFA.com". M.fifa.com. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  21. ^ "Martino: Si el equipo juega como yo quiero, a la gente le va a gustar". Diarioregistrado.com. 29 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  22. ^ "Tata Martino: Mi orgullo, la selección de Paraguay | Fútbol Internacional, Selección Paraguaya, Gerardo Martino, Paraguay, Albirroja, Barcelona". D10.paraguay.com. Archived from the original on 11 January 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  23. ^ "WC Qualification South America – Peru vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 14 October 2007. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  24. ^ "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Brazil – Report". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 18 June 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  25. ^ "WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Brazil – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 15 June 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  26. ^ "WC Qualification South America – Bolivia vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 18 June 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  27. ^ "World Cup – Italy vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 14 June 2010. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  28. ^ "World Cup – Slovakia vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 20 June 2010. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  29. ^ "World Cup – Paraguay vs New Zealand – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 24 June 2010. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  30. ^ "World Cup – Paraguay vs Japan – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". Soccerway. 29 June 2010. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  31. ^ "First 2010 World Cup Match To End With A Penalty Shootout". wbur. 29 June 2010. Archived from the original on 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  32. ^ Fletcher, Paul (1 January 1970). "Paraguay 0–1 Spain". BBC News. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  33. ^ "Copa América. History". conmebol.com. CONMEBOL. 1 July 2015. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  34. ^ @albirroja; (15 March 2026). "𝐋𝐨𝐬 𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐬 📋" (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 March 2026 – via Instagram.
  35. ^ "Andrés Cubas, lesión y baja en Paraguay: entra Lucas Romero". www.abc.com.py (in Spanish). 20 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  36. ^ Robert Mamrud. "Paraguay – Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 6 July 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  37. ^ "World Football Elo Ratings: Paraguay". Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  38. ^ "Copa Chevallier Boutell". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  39. ^ "Copa Trompowski (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1950)". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  40. ^ "Copa Paz del Chaco". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  41. ^ "Copa Artigas". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  42. ^ "Copa Félix Bogado". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  43. ^ "Copa Boquerón 88". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
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