VIDEO

Paraguayan President Personally Welcomes Team, Bows to One Player

Pulse Sports Team 13:12 - 06 July 2026

Paraguay's national football team received a hero's welcome upon their return from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Thousands of fans gathered at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in the capital, Asunción, in the night to Monday.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña embraced each player, bowing several times before Orlando Gill. The goalkeeper was largely credited with "La Albirroja's" progression to the round of 16.

All information about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in one place >>

In the round of 16 against Germany, he saved two penalties in the shootout, as Paraguay sensationally eliminated the four-time world champions. They were then narrowly defeated 1-0 by France in the round of 16.

"I want to thank everyone who contributed to our participation in the greatest football spectacle. Special thanks go to the fans for their support. I am proud of my teammates and proud to be Paraguayan," stated team captain Gustavo Gomez, the central defender for Brazilian club Palmeiras.