Paraguay coach: World Cup 2026 starting goalkeeper undecided

Gustavo Alfaro, the head coach of the Paraguayan national football team, has cast doubt over who will be the starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Alfaro stated that the decision has not been made, describing it as "a topic to be resolved" during a press conference ahead of the friendly match against Nicaragua.

The Argentine coach revealed a conversation he had with Roberto Jr. Fernández, commonly known as "Gatito" Fernández, who was the primary goalkeeper during the South American qualifiers. Despite his history with the team, Fernández has recently lost his starting position at his club, Cerro Porteño, to Alexis Martín Arias. This season, Fernández has only played three matches, all in the local league.

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It is a topic to be resolved.

Alfaro explained his approach to Fernández: "I told him that I don't see you playing, I don't guarantee you'll be on the final list. I need you to compete, I need to see you compete." He added, "You say, wait, you're talking about the guy who saved all the qualifiers. If I have this conversation with one of the players with the most history in the national team, I'm setting the standard that I've put all the players in the same boat."

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I told him that I don't see you playing, I don't guarantee you'll be on the final list. I need you to compete, I need to see you compete.

Regarding the upcoming friendly against Nicaragua, Alfaro suggested that Fernández might start the match. "I saw a good response from Gatito. Although he wasn't tested much in the games he played, maybe he will play a while. I might be making the decision right now, he will start the Nicaragua match. More than the game, it's a celebration. He earned the right to have that tribute. Whether he will play against the United States, I cannot guarantee," Alfaro said.

The coach's comments highlight a period of transition and competition for the goalkeeper position as Paraguay prepares for the next World Cup.

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I saw a good response from Gatito. Although he wasn't tested much in the games he played, maybe he will play a while. I might be making the decision right now, he will start the Nicaragua match. More than the game, it's a celebration. He earned the right to have that tribute. Whether he will play against the United States, I cannot guarantee.