Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro and defender Júnior Alonso answered media questions ahead of their Round of 16 match against France [1].
The matchup represents a critical juncture for the Paraguayan national team as they attempt to advance deeper into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Facing a powerhouse like France requires a disciplined tactical approach and high mental fortitude from the squad.
During the pre-match press conference, Alfaro addressed the psychological state of his players. He specifically countered suggestions that the team was playing with "house money," a term implying they are in a low-risk position because they have already exceeded expectations [2].
Alfaro said the team is focused on the objective of winning and is not treating the opportunity as a bonus. This mindset is intended to keep the players grounded and hungry for a result against the French side.
Júnior Alonso also participated in the session, fielding questions about the defensive strategies required to stop France's attack. The defender said there is a need for cohesion and focus throughout the 90 minutes of play.
The scheduled match takes place on July 4, 2026 [1]. Both the coaching staff and the veteran players have said that the team is looking to beat their own history in this tournament [2].
Paraguay enters the game as the underdog, but the staff believes the current squad possesses the resilience to cause an upset. The team has spent the lead-up to the knockout stage refining their defensive shape, and counter-attacking options.
“The team is not playing with ‘house money’”
Paraguay's insistence that they are not playing with 'house money' signals a shift in their competitive identity. By rejecting the underdog narrative, Alfaro is attempting to instill a winner's mentality to overcome the historical gap in performance between South American mid-tier teams and global giants like France.
