Gustavo Alfaro aims for Paraguay to be 'most annoying' at World Cup

Gustavo Alfaro, the coach of Paraguay's national football team, has declared his ambition to make his squad "the most annoying team at the World Cup" during the upcoming 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Alfaro expressed his optimism about the team's potential, drawing confidence from the individual performances that propelled them through the South American qualifiers.

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Paraguay wants to become the most annoying team at the World Cup.

"Paraguay wants to become the most annoying team at the World Cup," Alfaro stated ahead of a friendly match against Nicaragua in Asunción. He described Group D, which includes host nation USA, Turkey, and Australia, as "very even" and emphasized that Paraguay has a plan to respect the country's "idiosyncrasy" while playing to the team's known strengths.

This marks Paraguay's return to the World Cup after a 16-year hiatus. Alfaro, who previously coached Ecuador at a World Cup, has overseen a transformation since taking the helm. He believes Paraguay's "temperament and our fighting capacity will make us uncomfortable for our rivals," adding that his players possess "a power that will be complex for any rival."

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We have a plan. We want to respect the idiosyncrasy of this country, play as this group knows how to do but respecting the idiosyncrasy of this country. Hopefully, that plan works.

Alfaro anticipates a closely contested group stage, predicting that matches will be "fought until the end." He highlighted the emotional challenge for his players, particularly in the opening match against the USA on June 12 at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. Alfaro has personal experience at this venue, having coached Costa Rica there during the 2024 Copa América. "It's a place for the chosen ones. Only a few can be there," he remarked, underscoring the significance of playing in such a prestigious arena.

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We are going to become the most annoying team in the World Cup.

Paraguay carries the "hopes of an entire country" as they embark on their World Cup journey. Alfaro assured that the team is prepared to "fight, to give their all, to honor the memory" of those who have supported them, expressing a strong desire to "be up to the circumstances."

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Our temperament and our fighting capacity will make us uncomfortable for our rivals.