Paraguay's national football teams prepare for upcoming Copa América matches against the USA, while the women's squad was eliminated from Nations League competition. The national anthem singer Purahéi Soul will perform at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony, and severe weather alerts have been issued.
Paraguay is a landlocked South American republic bordered by Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina, dependent on the Paraná–Paraguay waterway for ocean access. It is a unitary presidential republic, with Santiago Peña serving as both head of state and government; the long-dominant Colorado Party has shaped much of the country's modern politics. As a smaller member of the Mercosur bloc, Paraguay balances close economic ties to its larger neighbors while maintaining a notable diplomatic stance, including its recognition of Taiwan over China. Bilingualism in Spanish and Guaraní reflects a distinctive national identity, and key fault lines include corruption concerns, land distribution, and reliance on neighbors for trade and energy markets.