Paraguay national football team
{{Short description|Men's association football team}}
{{About|the men's team|the women's team|Paraguay women's national football team}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox national football team
| Name = Paraguay
| Nickname = Los Guaraníes (The Guaraníes)
La Albirroja (The White and Red)
| Badge = Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol logo.svg
| Badge_size = 185px
| Association = {{nowrap|{{lang|es|Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol}} (APF)}}
| Confederation = CONMEBOL (South America)
| Coach = Gustavo Alfaro[https://www.lanacion.com.ar/agencias/gustavo-alfaro-sera-presentado-el-viernes-como-nuevo-dt-de-paraguay-nid15082024/ Gustavo Alfaro será presentado el viernes como nuevo DT de Paraguay]
| Captain = Gustavo Gómez
| Most caps = Paulo da Silva (148)
| Top scorer = Roque Santa Cruz (32)
| Home Stadium = Estadio Defensores del Chaco
| FIFA Trigramme = PAR
| FIFA Rank = {{FIFA World Rankings|PAR}}
| FIFA max = 8
| FIFA max date = March 2001
| FIFA min = 103
| FIFA min date = May 1995
| Elo Rank = {{World Football Elo Ratings|Paraguay}}
| Elo max = 4
| Elo max date = 21 February 1954
| Elo min = 43
| Elo min date = 12 August 1962, 5 March 2014, 31 March 2015
| pattern_la1 = _par24h
| pattern_b1 = _par24h
| pattern_ra1 = _par24h
| pattern_sh1 = _par24h
| pattern_so1 =
| leftarm1 = FF0000
| body1 = FF0000
| rightarm1 = FF0000
| shorts1 = 0044FF
| socks1 = 0044FF
| pattern_la2 = _par24a
| pattern_b2 = _par24a
| pattern_ra2 = _par24a
| pattern_sh2 = _par24a
| pattern_so2 =
| leftarm2 = 000060
| body2 = 000060
| rightarm2 = 000060
| shorts2 = 000060
| socks2 = 000060
| First game = {{fb|PAR|1842}} 1–5 {{fb-rt|ARG}}
(Asunción, Paraguay; 11 May 1919)
| Largest win = {{fb|PAR|1842}} 7–0 {{fb-rt|BOL}}
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 30 April 1949)
{{fb|HKG}} 0–7 {{fb-rt|PAR|1990}}
(Hong Kong; 17 November 2010)
| Largest loss = {{fb|ARG}} 8–0 {{fb-rt|PAR|1842}}
(Santiago, Chile; 20 October 1926)
| World cup apps = 8
| World cup first = 1930
| World cup best = Quarter-finals (2010)
| Regional name = South American Football Championship/CONMEBOL Copa América
| Regional cup apps = 39
| Regional cup first = 1921
| Regional cup best = Champions (1953, 1979)
}}
The Paraguay national football team ({{langx|es|Selección de fútbol de Paraguay}}), nicknamed La Albirroja, represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions, and are controlled by the Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol ({{langx|en|Paraguayan Football Association}}). 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
{{Main|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 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.[http://www.albirroja.com/history/history2.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502050638/http://www.albirroja.com/history/history2.html|date=2 May 2008}}
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.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/53safull.html |title=Southamerican Championship 1953 |date=18 April 2008 |website=RSSSF |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128140708/https://www.rsssf.org/tables/53safull.html |url-status=live }}
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.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/79safull.html |title=Copa Amжrica 1979 |date=5 March 2015 |website=RSSSF |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827101442/https://rsssf.org/tables/79safull.html |url-status=live }}
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.[http://www.albirroja.com/history/history6.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040818102757/http://www.albirroja.com/history/history6.html|date=18 August 2004}}
=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.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. 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==
{{main|1998 FIFA World Cup}}
Paraguay concluded the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup in second position, one point below Argentina.
{{:1998 FIFA World Cup Group D|transcludesection=standings|showteam=PAR}}
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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/france1998/matches/round=1014/match=8748/index.html |title=FIFA World Cup Archive |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018051206/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/france1998/matches/round=1014/match=8748/index.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/france1998/matches/round=1024/match=8776/index.html |title=FIFA World Cup Archive |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018051355/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/france1998/matches/round=1024/match=8776/index.html |url-status=live }} 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==
{{:1999 Copa América Group A|title=Group A|showteam=PAR}}
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.{{cite web |url=http://archivo.abc.com.py/fotos/2008/12/29/081229230443963.jpg |format=JPG |title=El historial del galardon |publisher=Archivo.abc.com.py |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008125526/http://archivo.abc.com.py/fotos/2008/12/29/081229230443963.jpg |url-status=dead }}
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.
File:Chilavert sanlorenzo.jpg 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|date=June 2016}} Cardozo ranking fifth, with six goals in fourteen matches, and Paredes ranking tenth, having scored five goals in sixteen matches.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}
{{:2002 FIFA World Cup Group B|showteam=PAR}}
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).{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/paraguay/newsid_1952000/1952813.stm |title=BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Paraguay | Chilavert backs Maldini |publisher=BBC News |date=26 April 2002 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112172640/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/paraguay/newsid_1952000/1952813.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/paraguay/squad/newsid_1917000/1917510.stm |title=BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Squad | Cesare Maldini |publisher=BBC News |date=10 April 2002 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423013649/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/paraguay/squad/newsid_1917000/1917510.stm |url-status=live }}
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.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/slovenia_v_paraguay/newsid_1927000/1927013.stm |title=BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Slovenia v Paraguay | Paraguay snatch vital win |publisher=BBC News |date=12 June 2002 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224100810/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/slovenia_v_paraguay/newsid_1927000/1927013.stm |url-status=live }}
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.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/germany_v_paraguay/newsid_2040000/2040997.stm |title=BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Germany v Paraguay | Germany edge out Paraguay |publisher=BBC News |date=15 June 2002 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112173152/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/germany_v_paraguay/newsid_2040000/2040997.stm |url-status=live }}
File:Nelson Valdez.jpg played at the 2004 Copa América.]]
==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==
File:Jose cardozo.jpg 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|date=June 2016}} 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|date=June 2016}}
File:On the pitch.jpg at the 2006 FIFA World Cup]]
{{:2006 FIFA World Cup Group B|transcludesection=standings|showteam=PAR}}
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|date=June 2016}} 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.
File:Gerardo Martino (marzo de 2014).jpg became the new coach as of January 2007.{{cite web |url=http://www.emol.com/noticias/deportes/2006/06/30/223669/gerardo-martino-asumira-como-tecnico-de-la-seleccion-paraguaya.html |title=Gerardo Martino asumirá como técnico de la selección paraguaya |publisher=Emol.com |date=30 June 2006 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406235441/https://www.emol.com/noticias/deportes/2006/06/30/223669/gerardo-martino-asumira-como-tecnico-de-la-seleccion-paraguaya.html |url-status=live }}]]
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==
{{main|2007 Copa América}}
{{:2007 Copa América|transcludesection=Group C|title=Group C|showteam=PAR}}
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.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/06/29/south-america/copa-america/paraguay/colombia/441095 |title=Copa America – Paraguay vs Colombia – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=29 June 2007 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707064103/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/06/29/south-america/copa-america/paraguay/colombia/441095/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/03/south-america/copa-america/united-states-of-america/paraguay/441097 |title=Copa America – United States vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=3 July 2007 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701091042/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/03/south-america/copa-america/united-states-of-america/paraguay/441097/ |url-status=live }} 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,{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/06/south-america/copa-america/argentina/paraguay/441100 |title=Copa America – Argentina vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=6 July 2007 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630202419/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/06/south-america/copa-america/argentina/paraguay/441100/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/08/south-america/copa-america/mexico/paraguay/471573 |title=Copa America – Mexico vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=8 July 2007 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630202432/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/08/south-america/copa-america/mexico/paraguay/471573/ |url-status=live }}
==2010 FIFA World Cup==
File:Salvador Cabañas.png.{{cite web |url=http://www.diarioregistrado.com/deportes/109757-martino--si-el-equipo-juega-como-yo-quiero--a-la-gente-le-va-a-gustar.html |title=Martino: Si el equipo juega como yo quiero, a la gente le va a gustar |publisher=Diarioregistrado.com |date=29 December 2014 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923214909/http://www.diarioregistrado.com/deportes/109757-martino--si-el-equipo-juega-como-yo-quiero--a-la-gente-le-va-a-gustar.html |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://d10.paraguay.com/tata-martino-mi-orgullo-la-seleccion-paraguay-n622112 |title=Tata Martino: Mi orgullo, la selección de Paraguay | Fútbol Internacional, Selección Paraguaya, Gerardo Martino, Paraguay, Albirroja, Barcelona |publisher=D10.paraguay.com |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111134638/http://d10.paraguay.com/tata-martino-mi-orgullo-la-seleccion-paraguay-n622112 |url-status=live }}]]
Paraguay commenced their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0–0 away draw against Peru.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/10/14/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/peru/paraguay/524370/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Peru vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=14 October 2007 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014093516/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2007/10/14/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/peru/paraguay/524370/ |url-status=live }} 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,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/matches/round=250491/match=300035293/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618234202/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/matches/round=250491/match=300035293/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 June 2008 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Brazil – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}}{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/06/15/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/brazil/524389/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Brazil – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=15 June 2008 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014085106/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/06/15/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/brazil/524389/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/06/18/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/bolivia/paraguay/524392/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Bolivia vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=18 June 2008 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014090510/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/06/18/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/bolivia/paraguay/524392/ |url-status=live }}
Paraguay travelled to Argentina.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/09/06/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/argentina/paraguay/524397/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Argentina vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=6 September 2008 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014085122/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/09/06/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/argentina/paraguay/524397/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/09/10/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/venezuela/524404/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Venezuela – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014090611/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/09/10/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/venezuela/524404/ |url-status=live }} Paraguay then earned two 1–0 victories against Colombia and Peru.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/10/12/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/colombia/paraguay/524409/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Colombia vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=12 October 2008 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014085004/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/10/12/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/colombia/paraguay/524409/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/10/15/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/peru/524415/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Peru – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=15 October 2008 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014093635/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2008/10/15/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/peru/524415/ |url-status=live }} 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{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/03/28/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/uruguay/paraguay/524420/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Uruguay vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=28 March 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014085133/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/03/28/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/uruguay/paraguay/524420/ |url-status=live }} and a 1–1 away draw against Ecuador,{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/04/01/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/ecuador/paraguay/524424/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Ecuador vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=1 April 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014092013/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/04/01/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/ecuador/paraguay/524424/ |url-status=live }} By June, Paraguay suffered a 2–0 home defeat at the hands of Chile,{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/06/07/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/chile/524428/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Chile – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=7 June 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630221859/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/06/07/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/chile/524428/ |url-status=live }} Paraguay were defeated 2–1 away against Brazil.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/06/11/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/brazil/paraguay/524434/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Brazil vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=11 June 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014083545/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/06/11/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/brazil/paraguay/524434/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/09/06/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/bolivia/524437/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Bolivia – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=6 September 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014085106/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/09/06/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/bolivia/524437/ |url-status=live }} Qualification was secured in the next fixture against Argentina on 9 September, when Paraguay won 1–0.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/09/10/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/argentina/524442/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Argentina – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014091023/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/09/10/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/argentina/524442/ |url-status=live }} Paraguay concluded the qualification campaign with a 2–1 away victory against Venezuela and a 2–0 home loss against Colombia.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/11/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/venezuela/paraguay/524449/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Venezuela vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=11 October 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014090611/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/11/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/venezuela/paraguay/524449/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/15/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/colombia/524454/ |title=WC Qualification South America – Paraguay vs Colombia – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014090625/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/15/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/paraguay/colombia/524454/ |url-status=live }} 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|date=June 2016}}
File:FIFA World Cup 2010 Italy Paraguay3.jpg
{{:2010 FIFA World Cup Group F|transcludesection=standings|showteam=PAR}}
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.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2010/03/vickery_13.html |title=Caniza experience crucial for Paraguay |publisher=BBC |date=29 March 2010 |access-date=21 August 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821222209/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2010/03/vickery_13.html |url-status=live }} The final squad consisted of 9 European based players.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/southafrica2010/news/newsid=1189645/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424010639/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/southafrica2010/news/newsid=1189645/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 April 2014 |title=FIFA World Cup Archive |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}}
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.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/14/world/world-cup/italy/paraguay/878801/ |title=World Cup – Italy vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=14 June 2010 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014140427/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/14/world/world-cup/italy/paraguay/878801/ |url-status=live }} They then beat Slovakia 2–0{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/20/world/world-cup/slovakia/paraguay/878804/ |title=World Cup – Slovakia vs Paraguay – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=20 June 2010 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014092130/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/20/world/world-cup/slovakia/paraguay/878804/ |url-status=live }} and played out a 0–0 draw with New Zealand, to finish first in the group.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/24/world/world-cup/paraguay/new-zealand/878805/ |title=World Cup – Paraguay vs New Zealand – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=24 June 2010 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014085520/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/24/world/world-cup/paraguay/new-zealand/878805/ |url-status=live }}
Paraguay were drawn against Japan in the second round, and won a penalty shoot-out 5–3 after a 0–0 draw.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/29/world/world-cup/paraguay/japan/881625/ |title=World Cup – Paraguay vs Japan – Soccer – Soccerway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics |publisher=Soccerway |date=29 June 2010 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014095138/https://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/29/world/world-cup/paraguay/japan/881625/ |url-status=live }} The win meant that Paraguay advanced to the last eight for the first time.{{cite web |url=https://www.wbur.org/npr/128189965/paraguay-vs-japan-postmortem |title=First 2010 World Cup Match To End With A Penalty Shootout |publisher=wbur |date=29 June 2010 |access-date=21 August 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821221916/https://www.wbur.org/npr/128189965/paraguay-vs-japan-postmortem |url-status=live }}
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.{{cite news |last=Fletcher |first=Paul |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_60/default.stm |title=Paraguay 0–1 Spain |publisher=BBC News |date=1 January 1970 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217144515/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_60/default.stm |url-status=live }} After the match, Gerardo Martino stated that he would be leaving his position at the end of his contract.
==2011 Copa América==
File:Justo Villar en acción 3.jpg (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=
File:Chiqui Arce.jpg 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170256/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519010840/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170256/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Peru-Paraguay – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} Four days later, Paraguay drew with Uruguay 1–1. Paraguay earned their first win of the qualifiers when they defeated Ecuador 2–1.{{cite web|author=Change to local timeChange to your time |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170243/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519012550/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170243/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Ecuador – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170263/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529125703/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170263/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Bolivia-Paraguay – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170260/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518231945/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170260/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Colombia-Paraguay – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} This string of losses placed Paraguay at the bottom of the table.
File:Roque Luis Santa Cruz.jpg 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170274/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519005143/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300170274/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Peru – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} Paraguay's then tied Uruguay 1–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180915/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529125713/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180915/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Uruguay-Paraguay – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} Paraguay were defeated 4–1 against Ecuador.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180909/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529160418/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180909/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Ecuador-Paraguay – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/matches/round=258419/match=300180908/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021193649/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/matches/round=258419/match=300180908/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2013 |title=Paraguay – Chile 1:2 (0:1) |publisher=FIFA.com |date=7 June 2013 |access-date=20 February 2014}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180947/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427090801/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180947/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Bolivia – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180933/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519005307/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258419/match=300180933/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2014 |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Colombia – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.conmebol.com/en/copa-america-2015-en/history|title=Copa América. History|website=conmebol.com|publisher=CONMEBOL|date=1 July 2015|access-date=1 April 2016|archive-date=25 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625185844/http://www.conmebol.com/en/copa-america-2015-en/history|url-status=live}}
=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.{{cite web|url=http://ar.reuters.com/article/topNews/idARL1N19700S|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814131557/http://ar.reuters.com/article/topNews/idARL1N19700S|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 August 2016|title=FÚTBOL-DT Díaz agradece a "históricos" de la selección paraguaya en despedida tras renuncia|language=es|website=ar.reuters.com|publisher=Reuters|date=15 June 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lanacion.com.py/2016/05/09/roque-santa-cruz-se-ilusiona-con-la-asignatura-pendiente-de-los-historicos/|title=Roque Santa Cruz se ilusiona con "la asignatura pendiente" de los históricos|language=es|website=lanacion.com.py|publisher=La Nación|date=9 May 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701085527/https://www.lanacion.com.py/2016/05/09/roque-santa-cruz-se-ilusiona-con-la-asignatura-pendiente-de-los-historicos/|url-status=live}} Santa Cruz suffered an injured and was later replaced by Antonio Sanabria.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.com.py/deportes/futbol/tonny-sanabria-por-roque-santa-cruz-1479777.html|title=Tonny Sanabria por Roque Santa Cruz|language=es|website=abc.com.py|publisher=ABC Color|date=13 May 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=30 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630202415/https://www.abc.com.py/deportes/futbol/tonny-sanabria-por-roque-santa-cruz-1479777.html|url-status=live}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://d10.paraguay.com/ramon-diaz-renuncia-como-entrenador-la-albirroja-n632616|title=Ramón Díaz renuncia como entrenador de la Albirroja|language=es|website=d10.paraguay.com|publisher=D10.COM.PY|date=12 June 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131200726/http://d10.paraguay.com/ramon-diaz-renuncia-como-entrenador-la-albirroja-n632616|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://es.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=6/news=ramon-diaz-renuncia-a-la-seleccion-de-paraguay-2801200.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817002717/http://es.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=6/news=ramon-diaz-renuncia-a-la-seleccion-de-paraguay-2801200.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 August 2016|title=Ramón Díaz renuncia a la selección de Paraguay|language=es|website=FIFA.com|publisher=FIFA|date=12 June 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.infobae.com/playfutbol/internacional/2016/06/08/crisis-en-la-seleccion-de-paraguay-chilavert-durisimo-con-ramon-diaz-y-su-hijo/|title=Crisis en la Selección de Paraguay: Chilavert, durísimo con Ramón Díaz y su hijo|language=es|website=infobae.com|publisher=Infobae|date=8 June 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612214738/http://www.infobae.com/playfutbol/internacional/2016/06/08/crisis-en-la-seleccion-de-paraguay-chilavert-durisimo-con-ramon-diaz-y-su-hijo/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://deportes.elpais.com/deportes/2016/06/10/actualidad/1465589814_397148.html|title=José Luis Chilavert: "El fútbol en Sudamérica sigue corrupto"|language=es|newspaper=El País|publisher=Ediciones EL PAÍS S.L.|date=11 June 2016|last1=Rodríguez|first1=Andrés|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217151809/http://deportes.elpais.com/deportes/2016/06/10/actualidad/1465589814_397148.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.clarin.com/copa-america-centenario/Chilavert-destrozo-Ramon-Diaz_0_1592240772.html|title=Chilavert destrozó a Ramón Díaz|language=es|website=clarin.com|publisher=Clarín Digital|date=9 June 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410235101/https://www.clarin.com/copa-america-centenario/Chilavert-destrozo-Ramon-Diaz_0_1592240772.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.hoy.com.py/deportes/hay-jugadores-que-ni-nuestro-himno-saben|title=HOY / "Hay jugadores que ni nuestro himno saben"|date=15 June 2016|access-date=22 September 2018|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707061918/https://www.hoy.com.py/deportes/hay-jugadores-que-ni-nuestro-himno-saben|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=http://www.hoy.com.py/deportes/cualquiera-nos-gana|title=HOY / "Cualquiera nos gana"|date=17 June 2016|access-date=22 September 2018|archive-date=30 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630202421/https://www.hoy.com.py/deportes/cualquiera-nos-gana|url-status=live}}
Team image
{{Commons|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.
| class="wikitable" |
| Kit provider
! Period |
|---|
| {{flagicon|FRG}} Adidas
| 1979-1980 |
| {{flagicon|BRA|1968}} Textil Paraná
| 1981–1983 |
| {{flagicon|BRA|1968}} Rainha
| 1984-1986 |
| {{flagicon|ARG}} Sportman
| 1987–1990 |
| {{flagicon|BRA|1968}} Textil Paraná
| 1991–1992 |
| {{flagicon|ITA}} Ennerre
| 1993–1994 |
| {{flagicon|USA}} Reebok
| 1995–1998 |
| {{flagicon|GER}} Puma
| 1999–2006 |
| {{flagicon|GER}} Adidas
| 2007–2019 |
| {{flagicon|GER}} Puma
| 2020–present |
Results and fixtures
{{main|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.
{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#FFFFFF|Fixture|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
=2024=
{{football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = Friendly
|date = 7 June
|time = {{UTZ|19:30|-5}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PER}}
|score = 0–0
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/06/08/world/friendlies/peru/paraguay/4347643/
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = Estadio Monumental
|location = Lima, Peru
|attendance =
|referee = Guillermo Guerrero (Ecuador)
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = Friendly
|date = 11 June
|time = {{UTZ|21:00|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|CHI}}
|score = 3–0
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/06/12/world/friendlies/chile/paraguay/4347644/
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Santiago, Chile
|stadium = Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos
|attendance =
|referee = Pablo Echavarría (Argentina)
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = Friendly
|date = 16 June
|time = {{UTZ|17:30|-5}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAN}}
|score = 0–1
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/06/17/world/friendlies/panama/paraguay/4347227/
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Velázquez {{goal|25}}
|location = Panama City, Panama
|stadium = Estadio Rommel Fernández
|attendance =
|referee = David Gómez (Costa Rica)
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2024 Copa América
|date = 24 June
|time = {{UTZ|17:00|-5}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|COL}}
|score = 2–1
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/06/25/south-america/copa-america/colombia/paraguay/4275162/
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Enciso {{goal|69}}
|location = Houston, United States
|stadium = NRG Stadium
|attendance = 67,059
|referee = Dario Herrera (Argentina)
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2024 Copa América
|date = 28 June
|time = {{UTZ|18:00|-7}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAR}}
|score = 1–4
|team2 = {{fb|BRA}}
|report = https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/06/29/south-america/copa-america/paraguay/brazil/4275165/
|goals1 =
- Alderete {{goal|48}}
|goals2 =
|location = Paradise, United States
|stadium = Allegiant Stadium
|attendance = 46,939
|referee = Piero Maza (Chile)
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2024 Copa América
|date = 2 July
|time = {{UTZ|20:00|-5}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|CRC}}
|score = 2–1
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/07/03/south-america/copa-america/costa-rica/paraguay/4275166/
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Sosa {{goal|55}}
|location = Austin, United States
|stadium = Q2 Stadium
|attendance = 12,765
|referee = Yael Falcón (Argentina)
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 6 September
|time = {{UTZ|20:30|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|URU}}
|score = 0–0
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400018612
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Montevideo, Uruguay
|stadium = Estadio Centenario
|attendance = 47,741
|referee = Darío Herrera (Argentina)
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 10 September
|time = {{UTZ|20:30|-4}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAR}}
|score = 1–0
|team2 = {{fb|BRA}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400018615
|goals1 =
- D. Gómez {{goal|20}}
|goals2 =
|location = Asunción, Paraguay
|stadium = Estadio Defensores del Chaco
|attendance = 31,962
|referee = Andrés Matonte (Uruguay)
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 10 October
|time = {{UTZ|16:00|-5}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|ECU}}
|score = 0–0
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400018917
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Quito, Ecuador
|stadium = Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado
|attendance = 31,000
|referee = Raphael Claus (Brazil)
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 15 October
|time = {{UTZ|20:00|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAR}}
|score = 2–1
|team2 = {{fb|VEN}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400018920
|goals1 =
- Sanabria {{goal|59||74}}
|goals2 =
- Aramburu {{goal|25}}
|location = Asunción, Paraguay
|stadium = Estadio Defensores del Chaco
|attendance = 28,531
|referee = Piero Maza (Chile)
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 14 November
|time = {{UTZ|20:30|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAR}}
|score = 2–1
|team2 = {{fb|ARG}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400019113
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- La. Martínez {{goal|11}}
|location = Asunción, Paraguay
|stadium = Estadio Defensores del Chaco
|attendance = 32,200
|referee = Anderson Daronco (Brazil)
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 19 November
|time = {{UTZ|16:00|-4}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|BOL}}
|score = 2–2
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400019114
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = El Alto, Bolivia
|stadium = Estadio Municipal de El Alto
|attendance = 18,655
|referee = Andrés Matonte (Uruguay)
|result = D
}}
=2025=
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 20 March
|time = {{UTZ|20:00|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAR}}
|score = 1–0
|team2 = {{fb|CHI}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400019531
|goals1 =
- Alderete {{goal|60}}
|goals2 =
|location = Asunción, Paraguay
|stadium = Estadio Defensores del Chaco
|attendance = 31,193
|referee = Raphael Claus (Brazil)
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 25 March
|time = {{UTZ|19:00|-5}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|COL}}
|score = 2–2
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288315/288316/400019529
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Barranquilla, Colombia
|stadium = Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez
|attendance = 42,262
|referee = Facundo Tello (Argentina)
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 5 June
|time = {{UTZ|20:00|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAR}}
|score =
|team2 = {{fb|URU}}
|report =
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Asunción, Paraguay
|stadium = Estadio Defensores del Chaco
|attendance =
|referee =
|result =
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = 10 June
|time = {{UTZ|21:45|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|BRA}}
|score =
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report =
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = São Paulo, Brazil
|stadium = Neo Química Arena
|attendance =
|referee =
|result =
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = September
|time = {{UTZ|--:--|-3}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PAR}}
|score =
|team2 = {{fb|ECU}}
|report =
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Asunción, Paraguay
|stadium = Estadio Defensores del Chaco
|attendance =
|referee =
|result =
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|format = 1
|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
|date = September
|time = {{UTZ|--:--|-5}}
|team1 = {{fb-rt|PER}}
|score =
|team2 = {{fb|PAR}}
|report =
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Lima, Peru
|stadium = Estadio Nacional
|attendance =
|referee =
|result =
}}
Coaching staff
{{see also|History of the Paraguay national football team#Managers}}
| class="wikitable"
! Position ! Name |
| Head coach
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Gustavo Alfaro |
| Assistant coach
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Carlos Gonzalez |
| Assistant coach
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Claudio Cristofanelli |
| Fitness coach
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Sergio Omar |
| Fitness coach
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Pedro Ignacio |
| Video analyst
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Alejandro Juan |
| Goalkeeping coach
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Diego Carranza |
| First-team Doctor
|{{flagicon|PAR}} Justo Tapia |
| Physiotherapist
|{{flagicon|PAR}} Luis Canteros |
| Academy manager
|{{flagicon|ARG}} Elvio Paolorosso |
Players
{{See also|:Category:Paraguay men's international footballers|l1=Paraguay international footballers}}
=Current squad=
The following players were called up to the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Uruguay and Brazil on 5 and 10 June 2025, respectively.{{cite instagram |user=albirroja |postid=DKXV2bsRD4O |title=Citados para defender a la #Albirroja ⚪️🔴🙌 |access-date=1 June 2025 |date=1 June 2025 |language=es}}
Caps and goals current as of 25 March 2025, after the match against Colombia.
{{nat fs g start|background=#dd0000|color=white}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=GK|name=Roberto Fernández|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1988|3|29}}|caps=26|goals=0|club=Cerro Porteño|clubnat=PAR}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=GK|name=Carlos Coronel|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1996|12|29}}|caps=9|goals=0|club=New York Red Bulls|clubnat=USA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=GK|name=Juan Espínola|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1994|11|2}}|caps=1|goals=0|club=Belgrano|clubnat=ARG}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=GK|name=Orlando Gill|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2000|6|11}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=San Lorenzo|clubnat=ARG}}
{{nat fs break|background=#dd0000}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Gustavo Gómez|other=captain|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1993|5|6}}|caps=79|goals=4|club=Palmeiras|clubnat=BRA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Júnior Alonso|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1993|2|9}}|caps=61|goals=3|club=Atlético Mineiro|clubnat=BRA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Fabián Balbuena|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1991|8|23}}|caps=47|goals=2|club=Dynamo Moscow|clubnat=RUS}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Omar Alderete|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1996|12|26}}|caps=27|goals=3|club=Getafe|clubnat=ESP}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Gustavo Velázquez|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1991|4|17}}|caps=9|goals=1|club=Cerro Porteño|clubnat=PAR}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Juan Cáceres|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2000|6|1}}|caps=9|goals=0|club=Dynamo Moscow|clubnat=RUS}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Agustín Sández|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2001|1|16}}|caps=2|goals=0|club=Rosario Central|clubnat=ARG}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Ronaldo de Jesús|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2001|4|21}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Lanús|clubnat=ARG}}
{{nat fs break|background=#dd0000}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Miguel Almirón|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1994|2|10}}|caps=66|goals=8|club=Atlanta United|clubnat=USA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Mathías Villasanti|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1997|1|24}}|caps=49|goals=0|club=Grêmio|clubnat=BRA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Andrés Cubas|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1996|5|22}}|caps=28|goals=0|club=Vancouver Whitecaps|clubnat=CAN}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Alejandro Romero Gamarra|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1995|1|11}}|caps=27|goals=5|club=Al Ain|clubnat=UAE}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Ramón Sosa|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1999|8|31}}|caps=22|goals=1|club=Nottingham Forest|clubnat=ENG}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Diego Gómez|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2003|3|27}}|caps=13|goals=1|club=Brighton & Hove Albion|clubnat=ENG}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Damián Bobadilla|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2001|7|11}}|caps=10|goals=0|club=São Paulo|clubnat=BRA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Matías Galarza|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2002|2|11}}|caps=7|goals=0|club=Talleres|clubnat=ARG}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Rubén Lezcano|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2004|2|9}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Fluminense|clubnat=BRA}}
{{nat fs break|background=#dd0000}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Ángel Romero|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1992|7|4}}|caps=47|goals=8|club=Corinthians|clubnat=BRA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Antonio Sanabria|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1996|3|4}}|caps=37|goals=6|club=Torino|clubnat=ITA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Julio Enciso|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2004|1|23}}|caps=25|goals=3|club=Ipswich Town|clubnat=ENG}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Gabriel Ávalos|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1991|7|9}}|caps=18|goals=2|club=Independiente|clubnat=ARG}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Isidro Pitta|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1999|8|14}}|caps=5|goals=0|club=Red Bull Bragantino|clubnat=BRA}}
{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Rodney Redes|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2000|2|22}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Olimpia|clubnat=PAR}}
{{nat fs end|background=#0B0B3F}}
=Recent call-ups=
The following players have received a call-up within the past 12 months:
{{nat fs r start|background=#dd0000|color=white}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=GK|name=Alfredo Aguilar|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1988|7|18}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Sportivo Luqueño|clubnat=PAR|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=GK|name=Rodrigo Morínigo|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1998|10|7}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Libertad|clubnat=PAR|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs break|background=#dd0000}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Saúl Salcedo|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1997|8|29}}|caps=6|goals=1|club=Newell's Old Boys|clubnat=ARG|latest=v. {{fb|COL}}, 25 March 2025}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Santiago Arzamendia|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1998|5|5}}|caps=24|goals=0|club=Estudiantes|clubnat=ARG|latest=v. {{fb|BOL}}, 19 November 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=César Olmedo|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2003|2|28}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Olimpia|clubnat=PAR|latest=v. {{fb|BOL}}, 19 November 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Daniel Rivas|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2001|12|6}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Cerro Porteño|clubnat=PAR|latest=v. {{fb|VEN}}, 15 October 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Blas Riveros|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1998|2|3}}|caps=14|goals=0|club=Talleres|clubnat=ARG|latest=v. {{fb|BRA}}, 10 September 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Mateo Gamarra|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2000|10|20}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Cruzeiro|clubnat=BRA|latest=v. {{fb|BRA}}, 10 September 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Matías Espinoza|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1997|9|19}}|caps=8|goals=0|club=Libertad|clubnat=PAR|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Iván Ramírez|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1994|12|8}}|caps=7|goals=0|club=Libertad|clubnat=PAR|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Néstor Giménez|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1997|7|24}}|caps=4|goals=0|club=Libertad|clubnat=PAR|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs break|background=#dd0000}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Hugo Cuenca|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2005|1|8}}|caps=1|goals=0|club=Genoa|clubnat=ITA|latest=v. {{fb|VEN}}, 15 October 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Álvaro Campuzano|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1995|6|12}}|caps=4|goals=0|club=Libertad|clubnat=PAR|latest=v. {{fb|BRA}}, 10 September 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Wilder Viera|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2002|3|4}}|caps=1|goals=0|club=Cerro Porteño|clubnat=PAR|latest=v. {{fb|BRA}}, 10 September 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Richard Sánchez|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1996|3|29}}|caps=34|goals=1|club=Racing|clubnat=ARG|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Matías Rojas|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1995|11|3}}|caps=21|goals=1|club=River Plate|clubnat=ARG|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Hernesto Caballero|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1991|4|9}}|caps=6|goals=0|club=Libertad|clubnat=PAR|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Fabrizio Peralta|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2002|8|2}}|caps=1|goals=0|club=Athletico Paranaense|clubnat=BRA|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs break|background=#dd0000}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Álex Arce|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1995|6|16}}|caps=9|goals=0|club=LDU Quito|clubnat=ECU|latest=v. {{fb|COL}}, 25 March 2025}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Alfio Oviedo|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1995|12|18}}|caps=2|goals=0|club=Tigre|clubnat=ARG|latest=v. {{fb|BOL}}, 19 November 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Adam Bareiro|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1996|7|26}}|caps=9|goals=0|club=Al-Rayyan|clubnat=QAT|latest=v. {{fb|BRA}}, 10 September 2024}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Derlis González|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|1994|3|20}}|caps=52|goals=9|club=Olimpia|clubnat=PAR|latest=2024 Copa América}}
{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Gabriel Aguayo|age={{birth date and age|df=yes|2005|2|10}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Cerro Porteño|clubnat=PAR|latest=v. {{fb|CHI}}, 11 June 2024}}
{{nat fs break|background=#0B0B3F}}
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
{{nat fs end|background=#0B0B3F}}
Player records
{{updated|21 November 2023.}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/para-recintlp.html |title=Paraguay – Record International Players |author=Robert Mamrud |website=RSSSF |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-date=6 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706081515/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/para-recintlp.html |url-status=live }}
:Players in bold are still active at international level.
=Most caps=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||
| width=40px|Rank
! style="width:160px;"|Player !width=50px|Caps !width=50px|Goals ! style="width:100px;"|Career | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | align=left| Paulo da Silva | 148 | 3 | {{nowrap|2000–2017}} |
| 2 | align=left| Justo Villar | 120 | 0 | 1999–2018 |
| 3 | align=left| Roque Santa Cruz | 112 | 32 | 1999–2016 |
| 4 | align=left| Carlos Gamarra | 110 | 12 | 1993–2006 |
| 5 | align=left| Cristian Riveros | 101 | 16 | 2005–2018 |
| rowspan=2 | 6 | align=left| Roberto Acuña | 100 | 5 | 1993–2011 |
| align=left| Denis Caniza | 100 | 1 | 1996–2010 | |
| 8 | align=left| Celso Ayala | 85 | 6 | 1993–2003 |
| 9 | align=left| José Saturnino Cardozo | 82 | 25 | 1991–2006 |
| 10 | align=left| Carlos Bonet | 80 | 1 | 2002–2013 |
=Most goals=
File:R. Santa Cruz Blackburn.jpg
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||
| width=40px|Rank
! style="width:160px;"|Player !width=50px|Goals !width=50px|Caps !width=50px|Ratio ! style="width:100px;"|Career | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | align=left| Roque Santa Cruz | 32 | 112 | {{#expr: 32/112 round 2}} | {{nowrap|1999–2016}} |
| 2 | align=left| José Saturnino Cardozo | 25 | 82 | {{#expr: 25/82 round 2}} | 1991–2006 |
| 3 | align=left| Cristian Riveros | 16 | 101 | {{#expr: 16/101 round 2}} | 2005–2018 |
| rowspan=3|4 | align=left| Saturnino Arrúa | 13 | 26 | {{#expr: 13/26 round 2}} | 1969–1980 |
| align=left| Julio César Romero | 13 | 32 | {{#expr: 13/32 round 2}} | 1979–1986 | |
| align=left| Nelson Haedo Valdez | 13 | 77 | {{#expr: 13/77 round 2}} | 2004–2017 | |
| rowspan=2|7 | align=left| Óscar Cardozo | 12 | 58 | {{#expr: 12/58 round 2}} | 2006–2023 |
| align=left| Carlos Gamarra | 12 | 110 | {{#expr: 12/110 round 2}} | 1993–2006 | |
| rowspan=2|9 | align=left| Roberto Cabañas | 11 | 28 | {{#expr: 11/28 round 2}} | 1981–1993 |
| align=left| Miguel Ángel Benítez | 11 | 29 | {{#expr: 11/29 round 2}} | 1996–1999 |
Competitive record
=FIFA World Cup=
{{main|Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup}}
{{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} Champions {{Color box|silver|border=darkgray}} Runners-up {{Color box|#cc9966|border=darkgray}} Third place {{Color box|LemonChiffon|border=darkgray}} Fourth place
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!colspan=10|FIFA World Cup record !width=1% rowspan=28| !colspan=7|Qualification record |
| Year
!Round !Position !{{Tooltip|Pld|Games played}} !{{Tooltip|W|Won}} !{{Tooltip|D|Drawn}}* !{{Tooltip|L|Lost}} !{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}} !{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}} !Squad !{{Tooltip|Pld|Games played}} !{{Tooltip|W|Won}} !{{Tooltip|D|Drawn}} !{{Tooltip|L|Lost}} !{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}} !{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}} |
|---|
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1930
| Group stage | 9th | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Squad | colspan=7|Qualified as invitees |
| {{flagicon|Italy|1861}} 1934
| colspan=9 rowspan=2|Did not enter | colspan=7 rowspan=2|Declined participation |
| {{flagicon|France|1794}} 1938 |
| {{flagicon|Brazil|1889}} 1950
| Group stage | 11th | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Squad | colspan=7|Qualified automatically |
| {{flagicon|Switzerland}} 1954
| colspan=9|Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 |
| {{flagicon|Sweden}} 1958
| Group stage | 12th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 12 | Squad | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 4 |
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 1962
| colspan=9 rowspan=6|Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| {{flagicon|England}} 1966
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| {{flagicon|Mexico}} 1970
| 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| {{flagicon|West Germany}} 1974
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 5 |
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1978
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| {{flagicon|Spain}} 1982
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| {{flagicon|Mexico}} 1986
| Round of 16 | 13th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | Squad | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 8 |
| {{flagicon|Italy}} 1990
| colspan=9 rowspan=2|Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 7 |
| {{flagicon|United States of America}} 1994
| 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| {{flagicon|France|1974}} 1998
| rowspan=2|Round of 16 | 14th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | Squad | 16 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 14 |
| {{flagicon|South Korea|1997}} {{flagicon|Japan}} 2002
| 16th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | Squad | 18 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 29 | 23 |
| {{flagicon|Germany}} 2006
| Group stage | 18th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Squad | 18 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 23 |
| {{flagicon|South Africa}} 2010
| Quarter-finals | 8th | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | Squad | 18 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 24 | 16 |
| {{flagicon|Brazil}} 2014
| colspan=9 rowspan=3|Did not qualify | 16 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 17 | 31 |
| {{flagicon|Russia}} 2018
| 18 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 19 | 25 |
| {{flagicon|Qatar}} 2022
| 18 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 26 |
| {{flagicon|Canada}} {{flagicon|Mexico}} {{flagicon|United States of America}} 2026
| colspan=9|Qualification in progress | 14 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 9 |
| style="border:3px solid red"|{{flagicon|Morocco}} {{flagicon|Portugal}} {{flagicon|Spain}} 2030
| colspan=9|Qualified as commemorative match hosts | colspan=7|Qualified as commemorative match hosts |
| {{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} 2034
| colspan=9|To be determined | colspan=7|To be determined |
| Total
!Quarter-finals !{{Tooltip|8/22|Number of tournaments qualified for}} !27 !7 !10 !10 !30 !38 !— !186 !74 !43 !69 !224 !224 |
:*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
=Copa América=
{{main|Paraguay at the Copa América}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||
| colspan=10|South American Championship / Copa América record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| width=100|Year
!width=95|Round !width=60|Position !width=20|{{Abbr|Pld|Matches played}} !width=20|{{Abbr|W|Matches won}} !width=20|{{Abbr|D|Matches drawn}}* !width=20|{{Abbr|L|Matches lost}} !width=20|{{Abbr|GF|Goals for}} !width=20|{{Abbr|GA|Goals against}} !width=60|Squad | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1916 | colspan=9 rowspan=4|Not a CONMEBOL member | |||||||
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1917 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Brazil|1889}} 1919 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 1920 | ||||||||
| style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1921 | Fourth place | 4th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:silver;"
| {{flagicon|Brazil|1889}} 1922 | Runners-up | 2nd | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:#c96;"
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1923 | Third place | 3rd | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:#c96;"
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1924 | Third place | 3rd | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:#c96;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1925 | Third place | 3rd | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 13
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 1926 | Fourth place | 4th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 20
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Peru|football}} 1927 | colspan=9|Did not enter | |||||||
| style="text-align:center; background:silver;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1929 | Runners-up | 2nd | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 4
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Peru|football}} 1935 | colspan=9|Did not enter | |||||||
| style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1937 | Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 16
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:#c96;"
| {{flagicon|Peru|football}} 1939 | Third place | 3rd | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 8
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 1941 | colspan=9|Did not enter | |||||||
| style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1942 | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 10
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 1945 | colspan=9|Did not enter | |||||||
| style="text-align:center; background:#c96;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1946 | Third place | 3rd | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 8
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:silver;"
| {{flagicon|Ecuador|1900}} 1947 | Runners-up | 2nd | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 11
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:silver;"
| {{flagicon|Brazil|1889}} 1949 | Runners-up | 2nd | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 13
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:gold;"
| {{flagicon|Peru|football}} 1953 | Champions | 1st | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 8
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 1955 | Fifth place | 5th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 14
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1956 | Fifth place | 5th | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Peru|football}} 1957 | colspan=9|Did not enter | |||||||
| style="text-align:center; background:#c96;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1959 | Third place | 3rd | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 12
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Ecuador|1900}} 1959 | Fifth place | 5th | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 11
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:silver;"
| {{flagicon|Bolivia|civil}} 1963 | Runners-up | 2nd | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 7
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1967 | Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 13
| Squad |
| 1975 | Group stage | 7th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:gold;"
| 1979 | Champions | 1st | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 7
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:#c96;"
| 1983 | Third place | 3rd | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1987 | Group stage | 9th | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Brazil|1968}} 1989 | Fourth place | 4th | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 10
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 1991 | Group stage | 6th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 8
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Ecuador|1900}} 1993 | rowspan=4|Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} 1995 | 6th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5
| Squad | |
| {{flagicon|Bolivia|civil}} 1997 | 7th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5
| Squad | |
| style="border:3px solid red"|{{flagicon|Paraguay|1990}} 1999 | 6th | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | |
| {{flagicon|Colombia}} 2001 | Group stage | 10th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Peru|football}} 2004 | rowspan=2|Quarter-finals | 5th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Venezuela}} 2007 | 5th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 8
| Squad | |
| style="text-align:center; background:silver;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 2011 | Runners-up | 2nd | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 8
| Squad |
| style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Chile}} 2015 | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 12
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|United States}} 2016 | Group stage | 13th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Brazil}} 2019 | rowspan=2|Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4
| Squad |
| {{flagicon|Brazil}} 2021 | 6th | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 6
| Squad | |
| {{flagicon|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=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||
| colspan=9|Pan American Games record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year
!Round !Position !{{Tooltip|Pld|Games played}} !{{Tooltip|W|Won}} !{{Tooltip|D|Drawn}}* !{{Tooltip|L|Lost}} !{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}} !{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}} | ||||||||
| style="background:LemonChiffon;"
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1951 | Fourth place | 4th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 14 |
| {{flagicon|Mexico|1934}} 1955 | colspan=8 rowspan=8|Did not participate | |||||||
| {{flagicon|United States|1959}} 1959 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Brazil|1960}} 1963 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Canada}} 1967 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Colombia}} 1971 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Mexico}} 1975 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Puerto Rico|1952}} 1979 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|Venezuela|1954}} 1983 | ||||||||
| {{flagicon|United States}} 1987 | Preliminary round | 9th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| {{flagicon|Cuba}} 1991 | colspan=8|Did not qualify | |||||||
| {{flagicon|Argentina}} 1995 | Quarter-finals | 7th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Since 1999 | colspan=8|See Paraguay national under-23 football team | |||||||
| Total||Fourth place||3/12||11||3||2||6||10||25 |
Head-to-head record
{{main|Paraguay national football team records and statistics}}
Below is a result summary of all matches Paraguay have played against FIFA recognized teams.{{cite web|url=http://eloratings.net/Paraguay|title=World Football Elo Ratings: Paraguay|access-date=27 September 2020|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225003545/http://www.eloratings.net/Paraguay|url-status=live}}
{{updated|25 March 2025}}
{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Positive Record|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Neutral Record|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#FFDACC|Negative Record|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
| class="wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align: center; font-size: 100%;" | ||||||||
| style="color:black;"
! style="width:145px;"|Opponents !width=30|{{Tooltip|Pld|Games played}} !width=30|{{Tooltip|W|Won}} !width=30|{{Tooltip|D|Drawn}} !width=30|{{Tooltip|L|Lost}} !width=35|{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}} !width=35|{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}} !width=35|{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}} !width=35|{{Tooltip|Win %|Win percentage}} | ||||||||
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Argentina}} | 108 | 17 | 35 | 56 | 113 | 219 | −106 | 15.7% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Armenia}} | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 50% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Australia}} | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Austria}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Bahrain}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Belgium}} | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 33.3% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Bolivia}} | 71 | 36 | 19 | 16 | 137 | 76 | +61 | 50.7% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Brazil}} | 84 | 12 | 22 | 50 | 68 | 183 | −115 | 14.2% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Bulgaria}} | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 50% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Cameroon}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Canada}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Chile}} | 69 | 30 | 8 | 31 | 94 | 96 | −2 | 43.4% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|China}} | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 33.3% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Colombia}} | 51 | 18 | 10 | 23 | 55 | 61 | −6 | 35.2% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Costa Rica}} | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 30% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Czech Republic}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Denmark}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Ecuador}} | 41 | 22 | 7 | 12 | 72 | 52 | +20 | 53.6% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|El Salvador}} | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | +10 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|England}} | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | −8 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|France}} | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 14 | −10 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Georgia}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Germany}} | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Greece}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Guadeloupe}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Guatemala}} | 11 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 25 | 10 | +15 | 81.8% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Honduras}} | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 37.5% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Hong Kong}} | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 50% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Hungary}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Indonesia}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Iran}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Iraq}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Italy}} | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Ivory Coast}} | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Jamaica}} | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 7 | +4 | 66.6% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Japan}} | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 15 | −5 | 18.1% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Jordan}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 100% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Martinique}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Mexico}} | 21 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 37 | −20 | 23.8% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Morocco}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Netherlands}} | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|New Zealand}} | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 66.6% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Nicaragua}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Nigeria}} | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 50% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|North Korea}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|North Macedonia}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Norway}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Oman}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Panama}} | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | +9 | 83.3% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Peru}} | 59 | 24 | 16 | 19 | 78 | 67 | +11 | 40.6% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Poland}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Portugal}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Qatar}} | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 25% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Republic of Ireland}} | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Romania}} | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 50% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Saudi Arabia}} | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Scotland}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Serbia}}{{efn|Includes matches against {{fb|Yugoslavia}}.}} | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 25% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Slovakia}} | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 50% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Slovenia}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|South Africa}} | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 7 | −1 | 20% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|South Korea}} | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 28.5% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Spain}} | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Sweden}} | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 33.3% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Togo}} | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 100% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Trinidad and Tobago}} | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 33.3% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Turkey}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|United Arab Emirates}} | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 50% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|United States}} | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 10 | −4 | 25% |
| bgcolor=FFCCCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Uruguay}} | 78 | 25 | 20 | 33 | 94 | 116 | −22 | 32% |
| bgcolor=CCFFCC
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Venezuela}} | 29 | 19 | 5 | 5 | 51 | 25 | +26 | 65.5% |
| bgcolor=FFFACD
| style="text-align:left;"| {{fb|Wales}} | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| class="sortbottom"
!Total (73) | 785 | 277 | 208 | 300 | 1009 | 1106 | −97 | 35.2% |
{{notelist}}
Honours
=Continental=
=Friendly=
- Copa Chevallier Boutell (2): 1925 (shared), 1945{{cite web|title=Copa Chevallier Boutell|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/chevallier.html|access-date=10 February 2022|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501232415/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/chevallier.html|url-status=live}}
- Copa Trompowski (1): 1950{{cite web|title=Copa Trompowski (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1950)|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablest/trompowski50.html|access-date=10 February 2022|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930024717/https://www.rsssf.org/tablest/trompowski50.html|url-status=live}}
- Copa Paz del Chaco (6): 1963, 1977, 1980, 1991, 1995, 2003{{cite web|title=Copa Paz del Chaco|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/pazchaco.html|access-date=9 February 2022|archive-date=5 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005074606/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/pazchaco.html|url-status=live}}
- Lunar New Year Cup (1): 1968
- Copa Artigas (1): 1975 (shared){{cite web|title=Copa Artigas|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/artigas.html|access-date=9 February 2022|archive-date=29 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929213938/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/artigas.html|url-status=live}}
- Copa Félix Bogado (2): 1977, 1983{{cite web|title=Copa Félix Bogado|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesb/bogado.html|access-date=10 February 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714204500/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesb/bogado.html|url-status=live}}
- Copa Boquerón (1): 1988{{cite web|title=Copa Boquerón 88|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesb/boqueron88.html|access-date=10 February 2022|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930025414/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesb/boqueron88.html|url-status=live}}
=Summary=
| class="wikitable" width=30% style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;" | ||||
| Senior competition | {{gold1}} | {{silver2}} | {{bronze3}} | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="left" |CONMEBOL Copa América
|2 | 6 | 7 | 15 | |
| Total | 2 | 6 | 7 | 15 |
See also
{{portal|Association football|Paraguay}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{oweb}}
- [https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/associations/PAR Paraguay FIFA profile]
- [https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/para-intres.html RSSSF archive of results 1919–2004]
- [http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/par.html Planet World Cup archive of results in the World Cup]
- [http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/par_squads.html Planet World Cup archive of squads in the World Cup]
- [http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/par_qualify.html Planet World Cup archive of results in the World Cup qualifiers]
- [http://www.albigol.com Paraguayan Football Site]
{{Paraguay national football team}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Paraguay FIFA World Cup squads
|bg=white
|fg=#0038A8
|bordercolor=#D52B1E
|list1=
{{Paraguay squad 1930 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Paraguay squad 1950 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Paraguay squad 1958 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Paraguay squad 1986 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Paraguay squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Paraguay squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Paraguay squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Paraguay squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Paraguay Copa América squads
|bg=white
|fg=#0038A8
|bordercolor=#D52B1E
|list1=
{{Paraguay squad 1921 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1922 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1923 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1924 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1925 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1926 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1929 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1937 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1939 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1946 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1947 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1949 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1953 South American Championship}}
{{Paraguay squad 1959 South American Championship (Argentina)}}
{{Paraguay squad 1979 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 1987 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 1989 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 1991 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 1993 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 1995 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 1997 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 1999 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 2001 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 2004 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 2007 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 2011 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 2015 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad Copa América Centenario}}
{{Paraguay squad 2019 Copa América}}
{{Paraguay squad 2021 Copa América}}
}}
{{Football in Paraguay}}
{{Copa América winners}}
{{CONMEBOL teams}}
{{National sports teams of the Paraguay}}
{{Navboxes||title=Finalists|list1=
{{1930 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
{{1950 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
{{1958 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
{{1986 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
{{1998 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
{{2002 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
{{2006 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
{{2010 FIFA World Cup finalists}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paraguay National Football Team}}
Category:South American national association football teams