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Paraguay
Nation / PlacePY

Paraguay

Landlocked South American nation; USA's opening World Cup opponent at SoFi Stadium on 12 June 2026.

Paraguay produced one of the 2026 World Cup's biggest upsets on 1 July, eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties in the round of 32, their best World Cup result since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.

Last refreshed: 28 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Can Paraguay derail the USA's home World Cup on the tournament's most watched opening day?

Timeline for Paraguay

#49 22 Jul

Proposed 2030 centenary co-host

2026 FIFA World Cup: The fight over the 2030 final
#39 10 Jul

Mentioned in: Merino winner sends Spain past Belgium

2026 FIFA World Cup
#39 10 Jul

Mentioned in: France meet Spain in first semi-final

2026 FIFA World Cup
#34 4 Jul

Mentioned in: Morocco meet France in 2022 rematch

2026 FIFA World Cup
#34 4 Jul

Lost 1-0 to France in the round of 16

2026 FIFA World Cup: Mbappe penalty puts France in last eight
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Background

Paraguay is a landlocked South American nation of approximately 7.5 million people, bordered by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia, with Asunción as its capital. One of only two landlocked countries in South America, alongside Bolivia, Paraguay has historically relied on the Río de la Plata waterway system for trade.

The national football team, La Albirroja (the red-and-white), are one of CONMEBOL's more competitive sides, having reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup and finished third at the 2011 Copa América. Paraguay qualified for the 2026 tournament through CONMEBOL's ten-team round-robin, in which only the top four nations advance automatically.

Key Issues
World Cup upset

Paraguay knocked out Germany on penalties

Paraguay eliminated four-time world champions Germany in the Round of 32 on 1 July. Julio Enciso opened the scoring; the tie finished 1-1 after extra time, and Paraguay won the penalty shoot-out 4-3, with Germany missing three of their spot-kicks .

It was Paraguay's most significant World Cup knockout result since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010, and came after the team opened the tournament against co-host United States at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June, in Group D alongside Turkey and Australia.

Common Questions
Who does the USA play first in the 2026 World Cup?
The USMNT faces Paraguay in the World Cup opener at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Group D also includes Turkey and Australia.Source: FIFA draw results
How much do tickets cost for USA vs Paraguay at the World Cup?
FIFA introduced 'Front Category 1' premium tiers priced up to $4,105 for this fixture — a 50% increase above the previous Category 1 cap of $2,735.Source: FIFA ticketing website, discovered ~9 April 2026
Has Paraguay ever beaten the United States in football?
Paraguay and the USA have met at multiple World Cups and Copa América tournaments; their 2026 opener will be their most high-profile contest.Source: FIFA / historical records
When does Paraguay play the USA at the 2026 World Cup?
Paraguay face the United States on 12 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, in the USMNT's World Cup opener. The match is preceded by a 13-minute opening ceremony with Katy Perry and others.
How did Paraguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Paraguay qualified through CONMEBOL's ten-team round-robin qualifying competition, where only the top four nations advance automatically. They are placed in Group D alongside the USA, Turkey and Australia.
What is Paraguay's best World Cup result?
Paraguay reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, their best finish. They also finished third at the 2011 Copa América.
What labour dispute affected the USA vs Paraguay World Cup match?
UNITE HERE Local 11, representing roughly 2,000 SoFi Stadium hospitality workers, held a 96% strike authorisation vote ahead of the 12 June USA-Paraguay opener. Bargaining resumed days before the match; LA County authorities confirmed no ICE enforcement at venues.Source: UNITE HERE Local 11