Albirroja was left without a coach when Alfredo Alfaro confirmed he will step down after the 1‑0 loss to France in Philadelphia, leaving the squad at a crossroads before the 2026 World Cup.

What drove Alfaro's decision?

Alfaro said he needs to return to his family after promising his wife and two daughters retirement, but postponed the decision to lead Ecuador in Qatar 2022 and now wants to be with Albirroja in the current tournament. "I need to breathe, I need to be with my family," he told the press conference. The coach, who turns 63 on August 14, took charge in August 2024 and secured the sixth direct spot for the 2026 World Cup, yet the elimination by France left him dejected.

How does the departure affect the short‑term future?

APF president Robert Harrison asked for a "second round" for the team, a conversation that took place in front of the players for the first time. Alfaro stressed the move is a family decision, not speculation, and warned that what has been done so far is insufficient for the 2030 World Cup. Meanwhile, Albirroja still holds its latest win over Mexico (1‑2, 2025‑11‑19) and a recent form of 2W‑0D‑3L, with two consecutive victories at the start of that run.

What is expected from the next coach?

Analysts note the new manager must balance fan pressure with the need to rebuild a squad that already showed it could force France to fight until the end. Alfaro recalled Paraguay knocked out Germany and lost on a VAR penalty against the world number one, proving the team can compete at the highest level.

What is Alfaro's vision for Paraguayan football?

In his farewell, Alfaro urged that tournament revenues be invested in infrastructure and youth development. "In a year and ten months we managed to change a reality… Growth brings pain. Paraguay must grow and growth comes with pain. Are we ready for that?", he concluded. The spotlight now falls on the federation to appoint a successor who keeps the hope of returning to the World Cups alive.

Albirroja continues to search for the continuity that will allow it to cement its place on the world stage, while fans await clear answers and a project that guarantees the development of the next generation.