Paraguay missed the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
It will end a long absence at this FIFA World Cup after a remarkable comeback in the qualifiers.
And the emotion of being able to represent his country took over the latest Albirroja press conference.
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Diego Gómez, a 23-year-old midfielder and undisputed starter for the Guaraní national team, broke down in tears while speaking about that feeling alongside coach Gustavo Alfaro.
“I’m very happy to be able to represent my country. After so much effort, we managed to qualify. And the truth is… you know me, I’m very emotional. I’ll try to give 100% to bring joy to everyone,” he said before bursting into tears.
Gustavo Alfaro, who is Argentine, hugged him and showed sensitivity by “bringing” his player’s remarks to a close:
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“There are no words, this is what we feel. This is what we feel. And it’s what all of Paraguay feels. It’s what all our players feel“.
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A Libertad academy product, Diego Gómez also played for Inter Miami before joining Brighton in 2024 for 13 million euros.
He had already represented Paraguay at the 2023 South American U-20 Championship and at the most recent 2024 Olympic Games.
Paraguay will play in its ninth World Cup, after appearing in 1930, 1950, 1958, 1986 and the run from 1998 to 2010.
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Its best campaign came in South Africa. It topped Group F, advancing alongside Slovakia – New Zealand and Italy were eliminated.
It beat Japan on penalties and then lost to eventual champion Spain in the quarter-finals.
It will make its debut at the 2026 edition later today, from 10 p.m. (Brasília time), when it faces the United States.
Photos: Reproduction
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
