Downtown Asunción is gearing up for a major sports celebration this Friday, June 12, with the event "El Centro Alienta," which is expected to draw up to 50,000 people to watch the Paraguayan National Team’s debut match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The game against the United States will kick off at 10 p.m. local time at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
To ensure safety and smooth proceedings, the Municipality of Asunción, through the Municipal Traffic Police (PMT), has organized a comprehensive operation involving around 220 municipal staff, including 30 PMT officers, with additional support from departments such as Green Areas and Urban Cleaning. Preparations began Thursday afternoon with street closures in the historic center, especially on Palma Street between Juan O’Leary and Yegros, as well as adjacent streets, which will be pedestrian-only until 3 a.m. Saturday.
In addition to traffic control, the Municipality has installed 24 trash containers that will be emptied and replaced every two hours to keep the area clean. The event’s organization also involves the Association of the Historic Center Movement of Asunción (AMCHA) and the Office of the First Lady, which have set up a space offering various food options, live music performances, and nine giant screens strategically placed along Palma Street and Democracy Square to broadcast the match.
The Paraguayan National Police has deployed about 1,500 officers to bolster security within a perimeter covering roughly 15 blocks around the Pantheon of the Heroes, between Yegros and 14 de Mayo streets, and between Presidente Franco and Oliva streets. The security plan includes access controls, continuous monitoring, and the presence of the Lince Group, Municipal Surveillance Police, Fire Department, and Ministry of Health ambulances to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies.
PMT Director Rodrigo Delvalle emphasized that the event is a great opportunity to celebrate the Paraguayan National Team’s return to the World Cup after 16 years. He highlighted the importance of coordination between security forces and the Municipality to manage the large gathering of people and vehicles. He also advised attendees to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to take care of their personal belongings. Additionally, he requested that children and teenagers be accompanied by responsible adults to ensure a family-friendly and harmonious celebration.
The "El Centro Alienta" event represents a moment of unity and pride for Paraguayan fans, who will be able to enjoy the match in a safe and festive atmosphere in the heart of the capital. The expectation is that the celebration will continue after the game, with the Municipality and Police prepared to respond to any incidents and maintain order at the venue.