Paraguay Faces Chile in Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier Showdown

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Paraguay will host Chile in a critical World Cup qualifying match at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco. Both teams are vying for crucial points in their pursuit of a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Paraguay, coached by Gustavo Alfaro, is currently sixth in the CONMEBOL standings with 17 points, just one point behind Brazil and two points behind Colombia. The team is on a six-match unbeaten streak, including a recent draw with Bolivia in which Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso found the net. However, the team’s lineup faces challenges with the absence of key players Gustavo Gómez due to injury and Diego Gómez due to suspension.

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“The match against Chile is like a final. We have much at stake,” Alfaro stated in a recent press conference, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming game.

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Paraguay has seen a revival in form recently, with effective attacking play highlighted by the performances of Enciso and Antonio Sanabria. Their strong offensive duo could prove pivotal in securing a win against Chile, who currently sit near the bottom of the standings with only nine points from twelve matches.

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Chile’s national team, under coach Ricardo Gareca, comes into this fixture needing a victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive after a 4-2 win over Venezuela. “The team is mentally strong to face whatever comes our way,” Gareca remarked, although he acknowledged that the team is still searching for a consistent attacking strategy.

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For Chile, Eduardo Vargas is expected to lead the charge in attack, while the return of experienced players like Charles Aránguiz will bolster their hopes. Chile has won just two matches so far in the qualifiers and cannot afford to drop points against Paraguay if they wish to remain competitive.

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The matchup is set to start at 7:00 PM (ET), and fans keen on watching can find various broadcasting options across different regions. In the USA, the match will be available on Fanatiz PPV, while viewers in Latin America can catch it on FIFA+ and respective country networks including Movistar+ in Spain and TV Pública in Argentina.

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This match not only has significant implications for qualifying but also carries a historical rivalry. As excitement builds for this encounter, fans anticipate a thrilling showdown, understanding the weight it holds for both teams as they strive for a coveted World Cup berth.