Gustavo Alfaro (R), head coach of Paraguay, attends the press conference ahead of the group stage match between the United States and Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, on June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)
LOS ANGELES, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro said his side is determined to compete rather than simply participate at the FIFA World Cup as it prepares to face co-host the United States in its Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.
"For us, it is a moment of great fulfillment, of great joy, because we know the needs that the country had of this," Alfaro told a pre-match press conference on Thursday. "We trust in the abilities we have, we trust in the work we have done, we trust in the talent of our players."
The Argentine, who took charge of Paraguay in August 2024 after a faltering qualifying campaign, has overseen a dramatic turnaround. Upon his appointment, Alfaro vowed to make Paraguay "the team that nobody wants to face," and he guided the side to a sixth-place finish in South American qualifying, including victories over Brazil and Argentina.
Alfaro acknowledged the challenge posed by a United States team that has spent years preparing for a home World Cup.
"We are clear about the opponent we are going to face, the hierarchy that the opponent has," he said. "We know the complexity we have to face, and we are prepared to try to do it."
"Our intention is not to come to participate in a World Cup, but to come to compete, and compete is to try to play on an equal footing against everyone."
Midfielder Diego Gomez, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, said the squad was calm and ready for the occasion.
"I feel very well physically, and I'm really very calm," Gomez said. "We have worked in the best way this week to play a good game. We will always try to give 100 percent to carry the country high."
The 23-year-old said the players were aware of the excitement back home.
"I'm very happy to be able to represent my country, for which we prayed for a long time to be at a World Cup. There are no words. It's what all Paraguay feels."
Alfaro also provided an update on forward Julio Enciso, who has been working his way back to full fitness.
"Julio is doing very well. He has completed all the steps that he had to complete," Alfaro said, adding that a final decision on his availability would be made later.
"Take it easy. We waited 16 years, we can wait one more day."
Paraguay is making its ninth World Cup appearance and its first since the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where it reached the quarterfinals before losing narrowly to eventual champion Spain. Paraguay will also face Türkiye and Australia in Group D. ■
Gustavo Alfaro (L), head coach of Paraguay, and Diego Gomez, player of Paraguay attend the press conference ahead of the group stage match between the United States and Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, on June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)
Paraguay's Diego Gomez gestures at the press conference ahead of the group stage match between the United States and Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, on June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)
Paraguay's Diego Gomez reacts at the press conference ahead of the group stage match between the United States and Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, on June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)
