The friendly match between Colombia and Paraguay ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Paraguay at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, USA, on October 2, 2026.
Why it matters: This match was a key opportunity for both teams to assess their squads following mixed performances in the 2026 World Cup. Colombia is in a rebuilding phase, aiming to integrate new talent into its lineup.
Colombia reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup but was eliminated by Switzerland on penalties after a goalless draw.
Paraguay made it to the round of 16 in the same tournament, losing to France but securing wins against Turkiye and Germany.
Both teams used this friendly to evaluate players ahead of upcoming international windows.
Driving the news: Hugo Adrián Benítez scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute, converting a rebound after his initial shot was saved, leading Paraguay to victory.
Colombia controlled much of the match, holding 58% possession and attempting 14 shots, but struggled to convert opportunities into goals.
Paraguay managed only 5 shots but was more efficient, scoring from their only big chance.
State of play: The match showcased Colombia's dominance in possession yet highlighted their finishing issues. Colombia had 14 shots, but only 2 were on target.
Colombia's goalkeeper Aldair Quintana made a single save, compared to Orlando Gill of Paraguay, who had to make two saves.
Referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere issued five yellow cards, indicating a competitive atmosphere throughout the match.
The big picture: Colombia's coach Néstor Lorenzo emphasized the need for patience as the team transitions post-World Cup, integrating younger players into the squad.
Lorenzo stated, "We are now in a stage of building; we have to tell the truth, the team isn’t set," highlighting the team's current developmental phase.
Promising young players like Yáser Asprilla and Jhon Arias were among those evaluated during this match.
What they're saying: Lorenzo acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, noting that they need time to adapt to new strategies and players.
"It will take some time, but it is completely natural that this should happen," he remarked, underscoring the gradual nature of the rebuilding process.
Paraguay’s coach, Gustavo Alfaro, praised his team's defensive organization and ability to capitalize on chances.
By the numbers: The statistics from the match reveal a stark difference between possession and effectiveness.
Colombia completed 539 passes with a 76% long-ball accuracy, compared to Paraguay's 386 passes at 51% accuracy.
Defensively, Paraguay excelled with 27 tackles and a 63% success rate, winning 54% of duels.
What's next: Both teams will look to build on this match as they prepare for future competitions, including the Copa América 2028 and the World Cup qualifiers for 2030.
Colombia aims to refine their attacking strategies and improve finishing as they integrate new players into the squad.
Paraguay will seek to maintain their defensive solidity and capitalize on scoring opportunities in their upcoming fixtures.