Defender Junior Alonso said Friday that Paraguay’s national team will be able to compete “on equal terms” against any team it faces in the 2026 World Cup, to which it returns after a 16-year absence, noting that the team “is coming strong”, although he acknowledged that they need to improve “specific details”.
“We know, from everything we did in the (South American) qualifiers, that we can compete as equals against anyone,” the Brazilian Atlético Mineiro player told reporters upon his arrival at Silvio Pettirossi airport, which serves Asunción.
Stresses the strength of the group
Alonso, 33, indicated that they have a “very high expectation” for his participation with Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup, in which they will make their debut against the United States on June 12.
“The sensations are good because the group is coming strong.”
“On an individual level everyone in their teams has prepared quite well for this moment,” Alonso emphasized.
A regular call-up by Paraguay’s coach, Gustavo Alfaro, in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
However, he acknowledged that the team, although it has its own style, must “improve in some specific details”.
“Obviously we need to improve our ball possession, be a little more protagonist,” he said.
La Albirroja gathers its stars
The player will join Alfaro’s training sessions at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo de la Albirroja.
Located in the town of Ypané, some 30 kilometers from Asunción, with a view to the friendly match to be played against Nicaragua on June 5.
Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Antonio Sanabria, Alex Arce and Andrés Cubas also attended the training sessions.
The group is coming on strong
Junior Alonso
As well as Diego Gómez, Alexandro Maidana, Matías Galarza, Gabriel Ávalos, among others.
Paraguay and the United States will make their 2026 World Cup debuts on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which seats approximately 70,000 spectators.
On June 19, they will face Turkey, winners of the European play-offs, and will close the group stage against Australia on June 25.
With information from EFE
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com
