FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Frustrated Argentina suffer shock 2-1 defeat at Paraguay

World Cup champion Argentina is top of the standings with 22 points from 11 matches while Paraguay moved up to sixth place, level on 16 points with Uruguay.

Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria scores his side’s first goal against Argentina during a qualifying match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Asuncion. | Photo Credit: AP

A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Argentina took the lead through Lautaro Martinez 11 minutes into the game but Paraguay soon levelled after Gustavo Velazquez’s cross found Eduardo Sanabria, who unleashed a superb overhead kick that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez helpless.

The shocked visitor struggled to find its feet and two minutes after the break, Paraguay defender Alderete headed in from a free kick following a foul by substitute Leonardo Balerdi on Julio Enciso.

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World Cup champion Argentina is top of the standings with 22 points from 11 matches while Paraguay moved up to sixth place, level on 16 points with Uruguay which plays on Friday.

The top six are guaranteed a place at the 2026 finals.