Gustavo Alfaro willing to continue with Paraguay national team

Paraguay's national football team, the 'Albirroja,' returned home to an emotional reception following their participation in the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by France. Hundreds of fans and President Santiago Peña greeted the squad at Silvio Pettirossi Airport.

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The coaching staff and the players have truly gifted us wonderful days. They encouraged us to dream big and I think that is the message of this wonderful people who today have a powerful word: Thank you, thank you from the heart for making us feel so proud.

Coach Gustavo Alfaro was among the most celebrated figures, with fans acknowledging the effort and renewed hope the team brought after a 16-year absence from the World Cup. The team arrived on a charter flight early in the morning, where they were welcomed by President Peña and other government officials. Peña expressed his gratitude, stating the team "gifted us wonderful days" and "encouraged us to dream big."

Alfaro, the Argentine coach, urged fans to safeguard Paraguayan football, emphasizing that the team's presence at the World Cup after 16 years was a significant achievement. "Defend this, this flame that these boys ignited... to show the world that it is standing," he implored.

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Defend this, this flame that these boys ignited... to show the world that it is standing.

Despite the disappointment of their elimination by France, Alfaro indicated his readiness to continue as Paraguay's coach. He reflected on the lessons learned from the players, stating that "the impossible does not exist" and that there are "a lot of challenges ahead." The coach expressed optimism, noting that the team's current "great illusion" will transform into "expectation."

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There are a lot of challenges ahead.

President Peña also took to social media to thank the squad for displaying "guaraní grit" and defending the flag with pride. He affirmed that their "courage and never giving up against any opponent is what we are."

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That courage and never giving up against any opponent is what we are.