Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro described his side’s 4-1 defeat to co-hosts United States on Friday as a «very painful lesson», saying his players were tactically, technically and physically outclassed in their first World Cup match in 16 years.
Paraguay’s long-awaited return to the World Cup ended in a harsh reality check as the South Americans struggled to match the pace and intensity of the hosts, who exposed weaknesses on the pitch to open their campaign with an emphatic win.
“At a World Cup you have to leave the emotions aside,” Alfaro told reporters after their Group D loss. “What matters is the decision-making, the concentration and the details.
«The United States won with absolute justice and clarity. They outmatched us tactically, they outmatched us technically and they outmatched us physically.»
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Alfaro said the defeat underlined the gap Paraguay must bridge if it wants to compete with the best teams in the world.
«There are levels where defensive organisation, determination and effort are not enough,» he said. “There are things we still need to integrate and understand that are essential if we want to move forward in this competition.”
Despite conceding four goals, the Argentine continued to insist that group qualification remained within reach, arguing that points, rather than goal difference, would determine Paraguay’s fate.
“We have to focus on getting the points we need to qualify,” he said. «Today the World Cup started. It didn’t end today.»
Paraguay will next take on Turkey before concluding the group stage against Australia.
“As long as we have one minute left, we will continue to fight to qualify,” said Alfaro.
Published on June 13, 2026
