Cerro Porteño leads Paraguay's race to 2029 Club World Cup despite elimination

Despite their recent elimination from the Copa Libertadores 2026, Cerro Porteño has solidified its position as the top-ranked Paraguayan club in the cumulative standings for the 2029 Club World Cup. The club's performance in continental competitions has earned them vital points, placing them ahead of fellow Paraguayan sides Libertad and Olimpia.

The Copa Libertadores has become a tournament of dual significance, offering not only continental prestige but also crucial points for qualification to the 2029 global club tournament. This dual incentive is now shaping club finances and strategic planning. According to CONMEBOL's ranking system, which awards points for advancing through stages, performance in the Libertadores feeds into an accumulated ranking that determines coveted World Cup berths.

Cerro Porteño, often referred to as the "Ciclón" from Barrio Obrero, concluded its participation in the current Libertadores edition. However, their efforts yielded a total of 34 points across the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This breaks down to 14 points in 2025 and 20 points in 2026, indicating an upward trend in performance. This improvement, despite not reaching the final stages, highlights the team's progress.

Currently, Cerro Porteño holds the sixth position in the overall standings. To continue accumulating points and secure a spot in the 2029 Club World Cup, the club must ensure qualification for the next Copa Libertadores. Their primary pathways to achieve this are by winning the upcoming Clausura tournament or the Copa Paraguay, making domestic success essential for their international aspirations.

Behind Cerro Porteño, Libertad lags significantly. The "Gumarelo" has had an inconsistent 2026 campaign, accumulating 20 points over the two seasons, leaving them 14 points behind their Paraguayan rivals. Olimpia's situation is even more challenging, as they did not participate in the 2026 Libertadores, although their return is slated for 2027. The "Decano" currently has 8 points, facing a steeper climb to secure a place in the prestigious global tournament.