ParaguaySouth America's third centenary host.
Paraguay hosts one of three FIFA World Cup 2030 centenary celebration matches in Asunción. The least visited of the three South American hosts — and for that reason, potentially the most intimate and surprising match of the entire tournament.
The hidden gem of FIFA 2030
Paraguay is the least internationally prominent of the three centenary hosts — which makes it the most interesting. While Argentina and Uruguay attract tens of thousands of international fans, Asunción will draw a smaller, more devoted crowd.
Paraguay has never hosted a World Cup match before. This is their moment: a centenary fixture in their capital city, in a tournament they share with football royalty. Estadio Defensores del Chaco — Paraguay's national stadium — will be packed with what will likely be the most passionate per-seat crowd of any centenary match.
For fans looking for an off-the-beaten-path FIFA 2030 experience, Asunción is it. Combine with Buenos Aires and Montevideo for the full South American centenary triple.
The city
Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Paraguay's national stadium and home of the La Albirroja national team. Named after the Paraguayan soldiers of the Chaco War. An intimate atmosphere compared to the giant stadiums elsewhere in FIFA 2030.
Getting to Asunción
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU). Connections from Buenos Aires (1.5 hours), São Paulo (2 hours), Lima, Santiago. Most international fans will route through Buenos Aires.
The city
Asunción is one of South America's oldest capitals and one of its least visited — which is part of the appeal. The Casco Histórico waterfront area has colonial architecture and the Palacio de López.
Food
Sopa paraguaya (a dense cornbread), chipa (cheese bread), asado. Paraguay has a unique culinary culture influenced by Guaraní heritage. The Mercado Cuatro is the city's main market.
Combine with the other centenary hosts
Asunción to Montevideo is 2 hours by air. Asunción to Buenos Aires is 1.5 hours. Doing all three South American centenary matches is logistically possible within a 7–10 day trip.
Visa
Many nationalities visit Paraguay visa-free including UK, US, Nigerian, Ghanaian and most African passport holders. Confirm with the Paraguayan embassy for your specific nationality.