Referees Announced for Paraguayan Football's Clausura 2026 Season Openers

The highly anticipated Clausura 2026 season of Paraguayan football is set to commence this Friday, with the Paraguayan Football Association's (APF) Refereeing Commission announcing the officials for the inaugural round. The opening jornada features Cerro Porteño playing at home in La Nueva Olla, while the weekend's marquee matchup, the "Clásico Blanco y Negro," will capture attention on Sunday at the Defensores del Chaco stadium.

In Barrio Obrero, Derlis López will take charge of the match between Cerro Porteño and Sportivo Trinidense, scheduled for 4:00 PM at La Nueva Olla. José Natanael Méndez will support López from the VAR booth, ensuring oversight of the game's crucial decisions.

The main event of the weekend is the "Clásico Blanco y Negro" between Olimpia and Libertad, slated for Sunday at 4:00 PM at the Defensores del Chaco. This intense rivalry will be officiated by the internationally recognized referee Juan Gabriel Benítez, with José Armoa overseeing the VAR reviews.

The full list of officials for the opening day includes Derlis Benítez for Sportivo 2 de Mayo vs. Rubio Ñu, Carlos Paul Benítez for Recoleta FC vs. Sportivo San Lorenzo, Blas Romero for Sportivo Ameliano vs. Nacional, and David Oje for Guaraní vs. Sportivo Luqueño. The schedule also details the assistant referees, fourth officials, and VAR assistants for each match, ensuring a comprehensive officiating team for the league's restart.