"This is a dream come true for all Paraguayans, and that's why tomorrow is a holiday, so all Paraguayans can celebrate together! We're back at the World Cup, and we're all celebrating!"
"I don't want to go to the World Cup just to participate, I want to go to compete for the maximum,"
"What we've done up until now has been enough to get us to the World Cup, but for me, it's not enough to play in the World Cup I want to play in. I'm not talking about attitude, but we have to grow in football. We have to have a competitive edge now."
Paraguay secured the final direct CONMEBOL qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Asunción, clinching qualification with a game to spare. Thousands celebrated in the streets and the president declared Sept. 5 a public holiday. Gustavo Alfaro took charge 13 months ago after Daniel Garnero's dismissal and transformed a slow start—one win in six qualifiers—into a campaign of five wins, five draws and one defeat. Paraguay recorded high-profile victories over Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile. The team last played at the World Cup in 2010, reaching the quarterfinals.
Read at ESPN.com
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