World Cup 2026: Paraguay Outing Will Be Suarez’s Swan Song

Uruguay vs Paraguay

The South American leg of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers begins its seventh matchday this week, with Bolivia vs Venezuela and Argentina vs Chile kicking things off tomorrow.

Saturday, however, will be an emotional one—not just for Uruguay supporters, but to everyone who have supported and followed El Pistolero’s career as well —as Luis Suarez has just announced that the Paraguay match will be his final one for La Celeste.

But make no mistake. Despite the emotions running high, Paraguay are hell-bent on spoiling Suarez’s farewell game as they try to climb up the standings.

Will Uruguay continue their strong start so far? Or will Paraguay disrupt the usual proceedings?

Come and join your fellow SBOTOP football fan to find out.

 

Talking Points

Núñez others hit with multiple suspensions

Luis Suarez will ride off into the sunset, hopefully with a win and a 70^th Uruguay goal in the bag.

The focus on Saturday will largely be on him, notwithstanding the gravity and importance of the match. Still, there are other storylines that will produce a huge impact on the outcome of the match come two days’ time.

Lest we forget the events that transpired in the semi-final match of the Copa America. It was just a couple of months ago when Uruguay players and Colombian supporters got involved in a brawl after La Celeste were knocked out of the tournament courtesy of a Jefferson Lerma goal.

Now a first competitive match since that night, and Uruguay are about to feel the sting of the punishment handed out by CONMEBOL.

Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), Rodrigo Bentacur (Spurs), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona) and Jose Maria Gimenez (Atl. Madrid) have all been suspended for numerous games following the altercation.

Núñez will receive a five-match ban; Bentacur will be given four, whilst the rest are suspended for three games.

Fines were also handed out to 11 others.

In other World Cup 2026 news, aside from the suspended players, Uruguay will also miss the services of Matías Viña (Flamengo), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Federico Viñas (Real Oviedo) and Nicolas de la Cruz (Flamengo) due to injuries.

This means that Marcelo Bielsa will have to make do against Paraguay without some of his key players. Not just for this game, but for a few more down the road.

 

Paraguay sack Daniel Garnero after Copa America embarrassment

Los Guaraníes were on the receiving end of a beating in their Copa America group, as they ended the campaign winless.

It was a group stage exit for them after back-to-back quarter-final appearances in 2019 and 2021.

Paraguay lost 2-1 to both Colombia and Costa Rica and got dealt a 4-1 drubbing from Brazil. Because of this, Daniel Garnero was shown the exit door, with compatriot Gustavo Alfaro replacing him.

Alfaro was Costa Rica’s coach in the tournament and will have his debut for Los Guaraníes in their Uruguay match.

 

History

These two South American nations have met numerous times over the course of history. Uruguay have the advantage with 34 wins, whilst Paraguay have 25 victories to their name—the rest of their 18 matches have ended with no winners.

The last time they met was at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Luis Suarez’s goal was the difference in that match, and it would mean the world to him if he can close his international career with a bang.

Over their last 10 meetings, Uruguay have a record of six wins and four draws whilst Paraguay last tasted a victory against La Celeste back in 2007.

 

Betting Tip

The World Cup 2026 betting odds are heavily on Uruguay’s side, backing them to win easily as compared to Paraguay who are priced at 5.90. Meanwhile, if there will be nothing that separates the two after the final whistle is blown, then those who will put money on a draw will be happy campers, with the result priced at 3.79.

Recent form also suggests that it’d be wise to take Uruguay for this one. Aside from a good Copa America run, they have done well for themselves in the World Cup qualifiers, placing second behind Argentina—who they’ve already beat, same as Brazil.

They have a record of 8W-1D-1L in their last 10 games, as compared to Paraguay, who only have a single win in their last 10 whilst settling for a draw twice and losing seven times.

In the six games played in the qualifiers so far, Uruguay have already registered 13 goals (ranked first), whilst Paraguay only have a single goal.

   

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