Paraguay speaks out against discrimination after round‑of‑16 exit

President Santiago Peña announced on Wednesday that Paraguay is “against all forms of discrimination” after senator Celeste Amarilla made racist remarks about Kylian Mbappé, the scorer of the penalty that eliminated the national team (0‑1) at the 2026 World Cup. The controversy erupted right after the match, and Peña reiterated his commitment to human rights while the side tries to bounce back from a recent run of 2 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses in its last five games.

What sparked the controversy?

Amarilla, from the Liberal Party, accused Mbappé of “drinking coconuts instead of his mother’s milk” and labeled him a “colonised Cameroonian”. Her statements were deemed racist by the UN, the French Football Federation and President Emmanuel Macron. She also criticized Mbappé for not greeting Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the game. The striker replied by calling the legislator a “despicable woman unfit for her office”.

How did the Paraguayan government react?

Peña, after finishing a government event in Ybycuí, stressed that Amarilla’s comments are “solely her individual responsibility” and do not reflect the nation’s stance. “I reaffirm the role of the Paraguayan, of Paraguay, as a vigilant guardian of human‑rights defence and free expression,” the president said, as the team still recalls its last win: Mexico 1‑2 Paraguay (2025‑11‑19).

What does this mean for the national team moving forward?

Although the elimination is final, the institutional response bolsters Paraguay’s image as a defender of equality, a message that may echo in future international commitments. The federation must still manage media pressure and keep the squad united, now focusing on qualifying for the 2027 Copa América. The episode also highlights the need to educate political representatives about respect for sport and its protagonists.

What’s next for the senator and Mbappé?

Amarilla said she may sue the player for his remarks, while Mbappé, through his representatives, has made clear his willingness to defend his dignity. Diplomatically, France has reiterated its condemnation of any racism, and FIFA is closely monitoring the case to avoid further sanctions. Paraguay will continue to run inclusion campaigns and work on strengthening its national team’s reputation on the world stage.