Asunción closes streets for World Cup fan zone

Asunción is preparing to host fans for Paraguay's opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the United States. To allow citizens to collectively watch the game against the host nation, several streets in the city center will be closed to traffic and transformed into pedestrian zones.

“

From 6:00 PM today, we will be closing Palma and Estrella streets completely to make them pedestrian. We have from Mexico to Colón and on 15 de Agosto we will make a detour so that it goes towards the Costanera via Paraguayo Independiente. Cerro Corá and Oliva will be open for traffic, and Presidente Franco will be vehicular. The others will be pedestrian.

Nine giant screens are planned to be erected at various points downtown, offering fans a communal viewing experience. The street closures are scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM and will be managed by the National Police, who will also guide vehicular traffic and ensure security. Streets like Palma and Estrella will be completely closed, while others like Cerro Corá and Oliva will remain open for transit. A detour will be in place on 15 de Agosto street, redirecting traffic towards the Costanera via Paraguayo Independiente.

Juan Agüero, head of the National Police Directorate of Asunción, emphasized the goal of fostering a "healthy celebration" for the match. He urged attendees to maintain a harmonious and family-friendly environment. "That's why we are trying to make sure everything goes well, we are making some areas pedestrian and others vehicular, so that good citizens feel safe and know that their police are present and working," Agüero stated.

“

We want today's match of the national team with the United States to be a healthy celebration, so I remind you that as a suggestion to all the people who are going to attend the event with the giant screens, that it be something harmonious, something familiar.

A comprehensive security operation is underway, involving various police units including traffic management, investigators, anti-drug and anti-riot squads, mounted police, firefighters, and a tactical motorized unit. Authorities are also advising fans to exercise caution, recommending they avoid carrying large sums of cash, secure their mobile phones in safe pockets, and protect their valuables. The city anticipates around 50,000 people will gather in the center for the event.

“

That's why we are trying to make sure everything goes well, we are making some areas pedestrian and others vehicular, so that good citizens feel safe and know that their police are present and working.