Paraguay defeated Colombia 1-0 in the 2026 International Friendly, with Hugo Benitez scoring the decisive goal for the victory. The match was played at Sports Illustrated Stadium, also known as Red Bull Stadium, located in Harrison, New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. The venue has a capacity of 25,189 spectators and features a compact structure that keeps the stands close to the field. The stadium is home to the New York Red Bulls and also hosts Gotham FC games.
Colombia vs Paraguay got underway at 8:00 PM ET. Colombia controlled possession for long stretches and pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Paraguay remained solid defensively. Paraguay’s defense stood firm throughout the match as Colombia struggled to find a way through. Hugo Benitez opened the scoring after a mistake from Jhon Lucumi allowed Hugo Cuenca to win the ball and set up the striker inside the box. His first shot was saved, but he won the rebound and made no mistake with his second effort.
Orlando Gill also made an important save on a backheel effort from Luis Suarez as Paraguay secured the 1-0 victory. Paraguay held on through the final minutes despite Colombia throwing everything forward. The first half came to an end with Colombia and Paraguay level at 0-0 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The second half got underway with Colombia and Paraguay still level at 0-0. Three minutes of stoppage time were added. Gustavo Gomez was shown a yellow card for a foul on Jaminton Campaz.
Jhon Arias came off for Colombia, with Camilo Duran entering the game. Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso came off for Paraguay, with Mauricio and Ramon Sosa entering the game. Gustavo Puerta and Edier Ocampo came off for Colombia, with Jhon Solis and Daniel Munoz entering the game. Gustavo Puerta received a yellow card for a foul after a warning from the referee, as Colombia threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Andres Cubas received a yellow card for a foul on Jhon Arias. Yaser Asprilla received a yellow card for a foul on Julio Enciso that stopped a dangerous attacking play. Jhon Lucumi and Richard Rios came off for Colombia, with Samuel Velasquez and Matias Orozco entering the game. Juan Caceres and Hugo Benitez came off for Paraguay, with Alan Benitez and Alex Arce entering the game.
Luis Suarez and Alvaro Angulo came off for Colombia, with Kevin Viveros and Jaminton Campaz entering the game. A dangerous free kick from Jhon Arias was deflected out for a corner, but Colombia were unable to make the most of the set piece either. Colombia are now taking control of possession as they look to get back into the game, but Alfaro‘s side continues to show their defensive solidity, something they also demonstrated at the 2026 World Cup. Alfaro’s side lined up as follows: Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Omar Alderete, Gustavo Gomez, Junior Alonso; Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez; Hugo Cuenca, Miguel Almiron, Julio Enciso; Hugo Benitez. Colombia lined up as follows: Aldair Quintana; Edier Ocampo, Kevin Andrade, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Alvaro Angulo; Richard Rios, Gustavo Puerta; Jhon Arias, Yaser Asprilla; Luis Suarez.
Colombia vs Paraguay in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on Caracol TV. Caracol TV is geo-restricted to Colombia, but anyone can secure access with a VPN.
