Paraguay's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended on Saturday in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 loss to France at Philadelphia Stadium.
Atlanta United captain Miguel AlmirĆ³n and Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder AndrĆ©s Cubas both started for La Albirroja, who were undone by a 70th-minute penalty from Real Madrid superstar Kylian MbappĆ©.Ā
Orlando City midfielder Braian Ojeda was an unused substitute for head coach Gustavo Alfaro's side.
All-out effort
After stunning Germany in the Round of 32, Paraguay fell short of ousting a second straight European powerhouse at the tournament.Ā
They didn't make it easy for Les Bleus, however, using physicality and defensive smarts to frustrate MbappĆ© and the rest of France's star-studded attack.Ā
Ultimately, a VAR-reviewed penalty by former Inter Miami CF midfielder Diego GĆ³mez on DĆ©sirĆ© DouĆ© allowed MbappĆ© to convert from the spot and send the two-time World Cup champions to a quarterfinal clash with Morocco on Thursday at Boston Stadium.
MLS on the world stage
For Paraguay, it's the end of a World Cup that they gradually grew into in their first tournament appearance since 2010.
After losing their Group D opener, 4-1, to the United States, La Albirroja went undefeated the rest of the group stage to qualify as a top third-place finisher. They then produced the biggest upset of the knockout stages by defeating Germany in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout.Ā
Paraguay had several standout performers at the competition, among them Cubas. The Vancouver midfielder played every minute for Paraguay, earningĀ rave reviews for his hard-nosed play in the center of the pitch.Ā Ā
MatĆas Galarza, who spent the first half of the year on loan with Atlanta United, scored the goal that spurred their World Cup turnaround in aĀ 1-0 victory over TĆ¼rkiye.
AlimirĆ³n was also a key contributor, starting four of five games as one of Paraguay's figureheads in attack.
"I, personally, leave with a lot of pride. Proud to represent this country," Galarza told reporters post-match. "This goes a along way for Paraguay, a country that was not riding a high.Ā
"... We were in it, every single game. I am very proud of my team, of the group, the staff, the coaching staff. Proud to be Paraguayan."
NOTE: JosĆ© NĆŗƱez contributed to this story from Philadelphia Stadium
