Paraguay’s U17 national team punched its ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar after a hard-fought campaign in the 21st South American U17 Championship concluded on Sunday, April 20, 2026. The tournament, which began in early April, saw Paraguay emerge as one of seven teams to qualify from the ten-nation competition for the global showpiece later this year.
The road to qualification was not straightforward. Paraguay navigated a grueling two-and-a-half-week schedule that tested the depth and resilience of Mariano Uglessich’s squad. Throughout the championship, the team demonstrated the tactical discipline and defensive organization that have grow hallmarks of Paraguayan youth development in recent cycles.
According to verified tournament records, Paraguay’s campaign featured several tightly contested matches where marginal advantages proved decisive. The team’s ability to grind out results in difficult moments ultimately separated them from the three sides that fell short of qualification despite participating in the same tournament.
Central to Paraguay’s success was a defensive unit that conceded sparingly throughout the competition. Goalkeeper Felix Fernandez, just 16 years old, started all four matches Paraguay played, logging 360 minutes without conceding a goal. His performances between the posts provided a foundation upon which the team built its qualification push.
Alongside Fernandez, center-back Kevin Amarilla emerged as a defensive cornerstone. The 16-year-old Amarilla also played every minute of Paraguay’s four matches, forming part of a back line that showed remarkable cohesion despite the youth of its components. Full-back Mateo Gimenez contributed significantly from the right flank, playing 357 minutes across four appearances while adding defensive solidity with one recorded interception.
In midfield, Victor Caceres mirrored Fernandez and Amarilla’s durability by playing all 360 minutes. The 17-year-old midfielder provided crucial ball retention and distribution, completing his tournament with one recorded assist. Hector Salinas operated as Paraguay’s primary creative outlet from central midfield, contributing one goal and two assists in 299 minutes spread over four matches.
Attacking production came from multiple sources, with Victor Lopez leading the team in goal-scoring with one goal in 329 minutes. Lucas Doria added another goal in 324 minutes, while Salinas’ goal highlighted the team’s ability to find the net from midfield positions. The balanced scoring approach prevented over-reliance on any single attacker.
Discipline remained a strength throughout Paraguay’s campaign. The team accumulated minimal cards, reflecting the tactical intelligence and emotional maturity expected at this level. This composure proved vital in tight matches where avoiding suspensions could determine qualification outcomes.
The achievement carries significant weight for Paraguayan football. Qualifying for consecutive U-17 World Cups maintains the nation’s presence among South America’s elite youth programs and provides invaluable international experience for a generation of players aiming to break into senior national team contention.
Looking ahead, Paraguay will now turn its focus to preparation for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled to run from November 3 to November 27. The tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format, doubling the participation from previous editions and increasing the level of competition Paraguay will face.
For these young Paraguayans, the South American Championship success represents both an endpoint and a beginning. Having secured their place on football’s global youth stage, they now face the challenge of translating continental qualification into meaningful performance against the world’s best U-17 talents later this year.
The team’s next official activity will be the announcement of their final squad for the Qatar tournament, expected in the coming months as preparations intensify. Fans and followers can track Paraguay’s journey through official channels as the South American representatives gear up for their World Cup campaign.
Stay updated with Archysport for continuing coverage of Paraguay U17’s road to Qatar 2025 and all developments in international youth football.
