Paraguay coach: USA was the best team on the field

Gustavo Alfaro admitted the United States were the better side after Paraguay lost 4-1 in their opening 2026 World Cup group match.

The Paraguay head coach said his team fell short, especially in the first half, and that the hosts made the most of their chances. He said small mistakes can decide matches at a World Cup, and Paraguay were punished when they lost concentration against a strong USA side.

Alfaro was more pleased with his players after the break, saying they showed character as they tried to fight their way back into the game.

He urged the squad to move on quickly from the defeat and focus on the remaining group fixtures. “The World Cup is not over for us,” he said. “There are still important matches ahead and we must fight to keep our chances of qualifying alive.”