In a heartfelt gesture that has resonated deeply with Paraguayans, national team coach Gustavo Alfaro marked the 215th anniversary of Paraguay's independence with an open letter on Instagram, as reported by ABC Color. The Argentine coach, known for his rare understanding of Paraguayan football culture, used the occasion to express gratitude and reinforce the team's mission ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“Thank you for the unconditional support, for the silent company, and for that solidarity that pushes us to believe. Thank you for helping us transform the desire of an entire people into a shared illusion,” Alfaro wrote, according to ABC Color. He emphasized that the way Paraguayans wear their colors with pride moves him deeply.
The coach underscored the values of “garra” (grit) and “temple” (fortitude) as defining national traits, vowing that the effort of the coaching staff and players is “non-negotiable” to honor a people accustomed to resilience and achievement. Alfaro also took a moment to honor Paraguayan mothers on their day, calling them “silent heroines” and the foundation of the nation's strength.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching and Paraguay's preliminary 55-man squad already announced, Alfaro closed his message with a line that has ignited hope: “We are days away from a new beginning, and the soul is ready.” ABC Color noted that the letter has further cemented the unique bond between the coach and the Paraguayan public.