What happened when the Albirroja returned?

Paraguay's national team landed at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Luque on Monday, July 6, and was met by a crowd exceeding 500 fans, President Santiago Peña, and a military band. The squad, eliminated in the round of 16 by France after beating Germany, received applause, flags and chants while the president recalled the decisive penalty.

Why did the arrival spark such excitement?

President Peña, who had declared a national holiday after the win over Germany, praised the “guaraní grit” shown in every match. In a tweet, he thanked the Albirroja for defending the flag with soul. The atmosphere intensified when the coaching staff, led by Argentine Gustavo Alfaro, was stood‑up applauded; the manager recalled the energy felt from the first game against Uruguay and how it spread to the crowd.

What did Alfaro say after the welcome?

Alfaro, clearly moved, said: “Since we played the first match against Uruguay, we felt a different energy. That contagion spread to all of us.” He added that the people’s support raised the squad’s commitment. Players signed autographs and posed for photos while fans sang and waved the albirroja flag.

What’s next for Paraguay?

After returning home, the team prepares for upcoming international fixtures. Their most recent outing was a 2‑1 win over Mexico on November 19, 2025, and recent form shows two wins followed by three losses (WWLLL). Alfaro will aim to keep the winning streak alive and fine‑tune details before the 2027 Copa América friendlies.

How was the moment captured online?

The official team account (@Albirroja) posted videos of the welcome with the hashtag #VamosParaguay, while President Peña shared a photo with the delegation and wrote: “Welcome home dear selection @Albirroja”. The post garnered thousands of interactions, reflecting national pride in the Qatar performance.

Paraguay’s return not only closed a historic campaign but also ignited hope for continued success in future tournaments. Backed by the president, fans and a dedicated staff, the Albirroja looks ahead with confidence after leaving their soul on the pitch.