Paraguay's return to the FIFA World Cup after a 16-year absence ended in a 2-0 defeat to Italy on June 12, 2026, in their Group C opener. Coach Eduardo Alfaro described the match as a 'painful lesson' for his squad, highlighting the gap in experience at the highest level.
Italy's goals came from Federico Chiesa in the 39th minute and Nicolò Barella in the 72nd minute, as the Azzurri dominated possession and created several clear chances. Paraguay struggled to maintain possession and managed only two shots on target throughout the game.
Alfaro, who took charge of the national team in 2024, acknowledged the learning curve for his players. 'We knew it would be tough, but the reality of the World Cup is different from anything else,' he said in the post-match press conference. 'This is a painful lesson, but one we must learn from quickly.'
