The Paraguay U20 beach soccer team clinched back-to-back CONMEBOL championships with a commanding 5-0 win over Brazil on Sunday, August 30. The squad known as the Pynandi successfully defended the title they won in the previous edition of the tournament held in Lima, Peru.
The team managed by Daniel Cantero currently sits third in their World Cup 2026 group, with four points from three matches. Their most recent result was a 1-0 loss to France on July 4, and their recent form over the last five games reads one win, two draws, and two losses. You can track their full campaign on our stats page.
How did the U20 final unfold?
Paraguay controlled the match from the start at the Estadio Playa Agua Dulce. Thiago Barrios emerged as the undisputed hero, scoring four of his team's five goals. The forward opened the scoring at 11 minutes and 19 seconds and doubled the lead just half a minute later. Didier Cáceres added a third before the break.
In the final period of the match, Barrios completed his performance with two more goals, at 4 minutes 44 seconds and at 28 seconds of the last frame. Paraguay's goal remained untouched throughout the 36 minutes of play, sealing a categorical victory that confirmed their dominance in the category. This result contrasts with the senior team's goal difference in the World Cup group stage, which stands at two scored and four conceded.
What was Paraguay's path to the final?
To reach the final, the Pynandi overcame Colombia with a clear 6-1 win in the semifinals. In that match, the Colombian team took an early lead through Justin Sierra, but Paraguay's response was immediate. Enrique Sánchez leveled the score, and in the second period, his team unleashed their offensive power.
Didier Cáceres scored twice, while Matías Luraschi and Thiago Barrios completed the rout that sent them to the final. The victory set up a clash with Brazil, who had eliminated Venezuela in a dramatic 5-4 extra-time thriller. Preparation for these youth commitments is key for the future of Paraguayan football, whose senior squad you can review in our squad section.
How did the rest of the continental podium finish?
Venezuela claimed third place in the tournament after beating Colombia 4-3 in a tightly contested match. La Vinotinto came from behind in the final minutes, with Fernando Rivero scoring the decisive goal at 8 minutes and 51 seconds of the last period. This bronze medal match served as the precursor to the main final.
Chile finished in fifth position after thrashing Bolivia 10-3 in the first match of the decisive day. The Chilean side demonstrated great offensive efficiency to close their participation in the event. These results complete the standings of the 2025 CONMEBOL U20 Beach Soccer Championship, where Paraguay reigns for the second consecutive year.
What does this title mean for the future?
The U20 back-to-back championship solidifies Paraguay as a developmental powerhouse in beach soccer within South America. The tournament serves as an important showcase for players aspiring to join the senior national team in the future. Continuity in the work of the youth categories is essential to maintain competitive levels in the long term.
While the senior Albirroja prepares for its upcoming qualifying matches, the success of the youth divisions provides optimism. The team has a busy schedule of international fixtures ahead, which you can follow on our fixtures calendar. The next challenge for the senior national team will be a friendly scheduled for October 10 against an opponent yet to be confirmed.
