Paraguay's 2026 World Cup Loss Stirs Controversy
Former Paraguay national team goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert has strongly criticized his country's squad following a crushing 4-1 loss to the United States in the 2026 World Cup. The Group D match saw goals from:
- an own goal by Damián Bobadilla in the 7th minute
- a brace from Folarin Balogun in the 31st and 45+5 minutes
- a goal by Giovanni Reyna in the 90+8 minute
- a goal by Mauricio for Paraguay in the 73rd minute
For the first time in World Cup history, a yellow card was reviewed and overturned using VAR.
José Luis Chilavert's Reaction
Chilavert, who represented Paraguay at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, voiced his frustration after the heavy defeat. He stated:
'We lost by a massive score, and then we see all the players taking selfies with their families, as if we were at Disneyland. If I lose a match, I don't want to leave my room. That's how I feel about football. It's one thing to chat and casually play the guitar, but the reality of the World Cup is completely different.' José Luis Chilavert
The US vs. Paraguay match took place during the 2026 World Cup in Group D. In the 7th minute, Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal to open the scoring. Later, in the 28th minute, a goal by Folarin Balogun was disallowed for offside following a VAR review. However, Balogun found the net in the 31st minute off a pass from Christian Pulisic and then scored again in the 45+5 minute.
A historic moment occurred in the second half: a yellow card was reviewed via VAR for the first time at a World Cup. The referee rescinded a yellow card for US defender Tim Ream while simultaneously penalizing Paraguay's Miguel Almirón for simulation. Late in the match, Giovanni Reyna scored a fourth goal in the 90+8 minute, sealing the US victory.
The final scoreline not only highlighted the American team's dominance but also sparked outrage from veterans like Chilavert, who emphasize the importance of attitude in defeat and professionalism in football.
Paraguay's loss to the US at the 2026 World Cup serves as a significant wake-up call for the team, which may need to reassess its preparation and gameplay strategies. Chilavert's comments underscore both the emotional side of football and the critical need to maintain professionalism even during tough moments. This defeat could impact Paraguay's tournament trajectory, as such a start puts their chances of advancing at serious risk.
The recent match not only marked a significant defeat for Paraguay but also showcased a groundbreaking moment in football history. For the first time, a yellow card was overturned using VAR technology, highlighting the evolving nature of officiating in the sport. To learn more about this historic incident and its implications for the tournament, read about how the VAR technology changed the game in this World Cup.