A wonderful country

Paraguay, a country in the heart of South America, is shaped by endless rainforests, wild jungles, along with shimmering lakes – and remains one of the few places where pumas still roam free. Life here is full of warmth, even as people face tough challenges, such as a struggling economy. Growing up in this contrast often means overcoming setbacks while holding on to big dreams of a brighter future.

Therefore, to step onto the pitch for Paraguay means earning lifelong hero status at least in their villages they grew up. Alexandre Ajoue from PUMA is responsible for managing the partnership with the APF and knows the country well: “Most players have a very challenging life story, and their biggest dream since childhood is to give their parents a better life”.

The emotional spirit of the Paraguayan people is just as visible on the football pitch. The national team is known for its iconic style of play: Garra Guaraní. Alexandre explains:
“The famous Garra Guaraní describes a style of football where the lines are maintained, waiting for a counterattack to generate the classic cross into the box for the number 9 to finish. Paraguay has had great number 9s in the past – Nelson Haedo, Roque Santa Cruz, Tacuara, Saturnino Cardozo, etc.”

Current Momentum

Earlier this month, the Paraguayan national football team secured its spot at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. From 1999 to 2006, during PUMA’s first era with the team, two World Cup appearances sparked nationwide euphoria. After a long wait, and since rejoining the PUMA family in 2020, Paraguay is finally back on the world stage. It’s a remarkable achievement for a small nation with limited resources, surrounded by football giants. A whole country is celebrating.

As the men’s team qualifies for the the 2026 World Cup, the Paraguayan women’s national squad finishes a strong fifth at the 2025 Copa América Femenina. At the same time, the beach soccer team adds another highlight to its résumé, following up the 2022 championship title with a silver medal at this year’s Copa América de Beach Soccer.

The Foundation of success.

Coincidence or the result of a deeper strategy? The answer clearly leans toward the latter. Several factors have fueled this positive development – one of the most important is called Cardiff, a modern training center supporting young Paraguayan footballers between U14 and U19 from all First Division clubs opened in 2024. With it, the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) aims to take each young talent to the next level – both on and off the pitch. “The program focuses on integrated development, combining athletic training with education, nutrition, psychology, and social growth”.

These and other investments in infrastructure and system are already showing up in multiple youth World Cup appearances – and some remarkable triumphs. Last year, the men’s Paraguayan U-15 took the South American Championship, and just this summer the U-17 women won the South American Championship by topping the final stage table ahead of Brazil!

To sum up, there’s a lot pointing to a bright future for this proud footballing nation. The APF remains something of an underdog – but one that will likely bring us many more moments of joy.

As Alexandre puts it: “APF’s current situation is very encouraging. For the 2026 World Cup, they will certainly go with a lot of desire and strength to get as far as possible.”