June 18, 2026 at – 7:26 p.m.
The coach of the Paraguayan team, Gustavo Alfaro (63 years old) assured that the team left behind the frustration of the debut and is focused on the decisive match against Turkey. He confirmed Orlando Gill as the starter and highlighted the confidence he has in his team. I followed live on ABC Cardinal and all platforms.
At hours of transcendental match against Türkiye for the second date of Group D of the 2026 World Cup, The coach of the Paraguayan team, Gustavo Alfaro, left a message of serenity and confidence, despite the hard blow of the defeat against the United States in the debut.
“Today’s football has a lot of access to information and it is difficult, when the heart rate is high, to be rational. You have to say what is fair and necessary,” said the coach when referring to the repercussions left by the World Cup debut.
The coach recognized the impact that the fall had in Los Angeles, although he stressed that the calendar forces us to look forward immediately.
“We all suffer great frustration, but there is no time to regret. There are challenges ahead immediately and, instead of being worried, we must be busy and planning what is coming”held.
Alfaro stated that he hopes for a different image of Paraguay in Santa Clara and recalled that both Albirroja and Türkiye They arrive with the need to add.
“One hopes that tomorrow’s game will be different. We know that both we and Turkey need to win and this competition does not allow you to stop or regret. We must continue”he stated.
The coach also highlighted the work done by the team during the last days of preparation.
“We have worked a lot. I am happy with the boys’ training and we hope to be able to show it tomorrow on the field. We have high-ranking players in front of us, but we are very confident that Paraguay will become Paraguay again.”he pointed out.
Regarding the analysis of the rival, Alfaro considered that Türkiye deserved better luck in its debut against Australia.
“It seems to me that it will be a different match. Australia played the perfect match, closed the spaces and transformed its virtues into an advantage. Turkey had possession, created situations, but football is that changeable. No matter the hierarchy or the background, anything can happen.”he analyzed.
The coach also confirmed the continuity of Orlando Gill between the three sticks, clearing up any doubts regarding the goal.
“Orlando Gill’s thing is not about the goals conceded. They were great goals. He will be the goalkeeper again”he assured.
Likewise, he explained the reasons for the inclusion of Matías Galarza in the midfield for this match.
“Matías has a very great capacity to adapt. He has played very good games and gives us reasons to be in the team. Although names are repeated, each game is different”he commented.
Finally, Alfaro left a reflection on competitiveness and confidence in national team football.
“You can’t do magic in football. You either have it or you don’t. But that doesn’t mean you can’t fight or be competitive. It’s a matter of trust and taking risks.”concluded the red-haired coach.
Paraguay will face Turkey this Friday from 8:00 p.m. in California (12:00 a.m. on Saturday in Paraguay) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clarain a match that can define a large part of their future in the 2026 World Cup.
