What happened at Silvio Pettirossi Airport?

Paraguay arrived at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport on Monday July 6 and was greeted by a massive crowd chanting its name for over an hour. The most emotional moment came around 6:30 p.m. when players and coaching staff stepped off the plane and approached fans, who welcomed them with a thunderous ovation. Gustavo Alfaro, the head coach, signed autographs while President Santiago Peña hugged the footballers and publicly thanked them for their effort.

Why is this welcome historic?

After a 16‑year absence, the national side returned to the World Cup and delivered a performance that ignited national passion. Although they lost 1‑0 to France in the group stage, the Paraguayan people celebrated the comeback to football’s elite. The National Civil Aeronautics Directorate opened the presidential area for the arrival, and family members, officials and authorities accompanied the delegation, highlighting the significance of the achievement.

What does Gustavo Alfaro say about the future?

Alfaro, the Argentine strategist, said the players “rekindled a flame that Paraguay has always had.” He urged supporters to protect the country’s football and defend that flame, reminding them that “when this nation rallies behind a goal, nothing is impossible.” His words resonated among fans who saw the World Cup campaign as a rebirth for Paraguayan football.

How does recent form look?

In recent matches, Paraguay’s last result was a 2‑1 win over Mexico (2025‑11‑19) and the team’s last five games record stands at 2W‑0D‑3L, currently on a two‑game winning streak. These figures underline the need to build on the World Cup foundation to climb back up the international rankings.

What’s next for Paraguay?

Looking ahead to qualification for the 2030 World Cup, the coaching staff will focus on tightening the defence and adding creativity up front. The fan base, now more engaged than ever, will continue to back the squad at every step, remembering that the return to the elite was just the start of a new era for Paraguayan football.