AGP Executive Report

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca and the US opening against Paraguay on June 13—48 teams, 104 matches, and three opening ceremonies featuring J Balvin & Tyla (Mexico), Michael Bublé & Alanis Morissette (Canada), and Katy Perry & Future (USA). Paraguay in Focus: Group D has the US, Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye, putting Paraguay’s campaign front and center for Asunción readers as the tournament begins in just over a week. Local Service Upgrade: Paraguay’s animal welfare directorate launched a “Lost and Found Pets” digital section on its website to help reunite missing and found companion animals through a public database. Regional Spotlight: Hon. Emma Hippolyte was elected to the Executive Committee of the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), with Paraguay named among the vice presidents. Sports Health Watch: Arsenal’s William Saliba faces worsening back concerns, with reports suggesting surgery could be needed after the World Cup.

World Cup squads locked in: FIFA has released all 48 teams’ final 26-man rosters for the June 11–July 19 tournament, with 1,248 players heading to North America and 44 of them coming from Paraguay’s Group D rivals’ Major League Soccer pipeline. Paraguay’s World Cup plan: In Asunción coverage, coach Gustavo Alfaro is credited with a psychology-driven turnaround since August 2024, leading Paraguay back to the World Cup after a long absence since 2010. Group D focus: The U.S. opens against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, with Group D also featuring Australia and Türkiye—setting up a tight race for first place. Local fan access: Paraguay supporters can catch the action via U.S. and regional watch parties, including free FIFA Fan Festival Boston (advance registration required). Paraguay off the pitch: A viral “Captain Treezy” pilot, Jabari Brown, was briefly detained in Paraguay after 577 pounds of marijuana were found on a private aircraft; prosecutors later released him. Labor diplomacy: Paraguay’s labor minister Monica Recalde de Giacomi met counterparts at the ILO conference in Geneva to discuss cooperation.

World Cup Squad Spotlight (Paraguay): Paraguay named its 2026 FIFA World Cup roster with Brighton midfielder Diego Gómez and other key picks under coach Gustavo Alfaro. The team opens Group D against the United States in Los Angeles on June 12, then faces Turkey (June 19) and Australia (June 25), with the squad mixing experience and youth. French Open Fallout (Paraguay): Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was fined $65,000 at Roland Garros after saying his match “needs to be umpired by a man,” drawing sharp criticism from tournament officials. Tournament Context (Global): The World Cup kicks off June 11–July 19 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico with 48 teams and 104 matches, and FIFA has published final squad lists. Local Culture (Asunción): Asunción continues to lean into the World Cup buzz with community stories, including a feature on Spanish expat Io Del Álamo and coverage of Piribebuy weavers preserving the Poncho Para’i tradition.

Paraguay World Cup Focus: Paraguay has finalized its 26-player squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 under coach Gustavo Alfaro, building a disciplined, defense-first plan with a fast-counter style and naming Orlando Gill, Roberto Junior Fernández and Gastón Olveira in goal, plus Gustavo Gómez as captain; the roster also includes Matías Galarza and Matías Galarza, with the team set to open Group D against the United States on June 12 in Los Angeles. USMNT Roster Update: The United States submitted its final World Cup roster to FIFA, keeping injured defender Chris Richards on the list as fitness remains uncertain ahead of the opener vs Paraguay. World Cup Security in LA: Los Angeles officials rolled out major public safety plans for the tournament, warning that drone operators could face steep fines and that federal and local forces will target counterfeit tickets, theft and violence. Paraguay Crime Alert: Paraguayan authorities are investigating a suspected drug-trafficking operation after seizing 577 pounds of hashish worth about $3.6 million from a private jet that arrived from Panama, with the pilot leaving before the drugs were found.

French Open Fallout: Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was fined about $65,000 after sexist remarks about a female umpire, with organizers calling the comments “clearly unacceptable.” World Cup Countdown (Group D): FIFA’s 2026 World Cup starts June 11, and final 26-man squads are due June 1/announced June 2; Group D includes the U.S., Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. Paraguay at the Tournament: Gustavo Alfaro is being credited in Paraguay for turning the team around with a psychology-driven approach ahead of matches that begin with the U.S. vs Paraguay on June 12. Paraguay–Israel Diplomacy: Paraguay marked Independence Day at its Jerusalem embassy, with the envoy saying, “Paraguay is in Jerusalem because it believes in Israel,” as ties deepen. USMNT Warm-Up: The U.S. beat Senegal 3-2 in a World Cup warm-up, with Christian Pulisic ending a long scoring drought.

Socceroos World Cup squad: Australia named its 26-man roster for Group D, led by Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie, with 17 first-timers. The big headline is Cristian Volpato, an Italy youth international who switched allegiance to Australia and now earns a World Cup spot just days after the change, alongside uncapped striker Tete Yengi. USMNT warm-up boost: Mauricio Pochettino’s United States beat Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte as Christian Pulisic ended a long scoring drought with a goal and an assist, while Folarin Balogun scored the winner after Senegal’s Sadio Mané twice pulled the match level. Local angle for Paraguay fans: With the US set to open Group D against Paraguay on June 12, the friendly win is the latest confidence lift for a home-host campaign that still has defensive questions after Senegal’s comeback. Paraguay diplomacy note: Paraguay marked Independence Day in Jerusalem, with its envoy saying the country is there “because it believes in Israel.”

Border Security: Paraguay’s Navy seized nearly a ton of marijuana (1,037 kg in 34 packages) near the Paraná River in Itapúa, close to Argentina, after detecting people loading a canoe; an exchange of fire was reported and the suspects fled. World Cup Build-Up (USMNT): Mauricio Pochettino named veteran defender Tim Ream captain for the 2026 World Cup; the armband is an honor for the 38-year-old, though he’s not guaranteed a starting spot. Injury Watch: US defender Chris Richards was left out of the Senegal friendly in Charlotte due to an ankle injury and will continue rehab before being re-evaluated next week. Local Culture & Community: A modern strawberry showroom in Itauguá (Estanzuela area) was inaugurated to boost direct sales and value for producers, funded with World Bank support. Paraguayan Heritage: “Manos Paraguayas” highlights how Gisele Baddouh is preserving Ñandutí and Encaje Jú through her cultural project and teaching community.

French Open Spotlight: Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo is facing a “significant sanction” after sexist remarks about a woman umpire following his five-set loss to France’s 17-year-old Moise Kouame, who became the youngest man to reach a Grand Slam third round since Rafael Nadal. World Cup Build-Up (Group D): With the 2026 World Cup starting June 11, the US opens against Paraguay on June 12, and the USMNT’s pre-tournament friendlies include Senegal and Germany—while Group D also features Australia and Turkey. Local Sports & Mobility: Asunción’s traffic pressure is worsening as the city’s daily inflow far outpaces its resident population, raising concerns for roads, public services, and municipal finances. Paraguay Economy: DNIT forecasts about 8% tax revenue growth in the second half of 2026, driven mainly by stronger domestic collections. Culture & Sport in Paraguay: Paraguay will host L’Étape by Tour de France in Encarnación on May 31, aiming to draw local and international cyclists.

French Open Fallout: Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo faces a significant fine after sexist remarks about a woman umpire following his loss to 17-year-old Moise Kouame, with organizers calling the comments “unacceptable” and stressing umpiring competence isn’t based on gender. World Cup Build-Up (Paraguay in focus): Australia’s Cristian Volpato has switched allegiance to the Socceroos and will join their camp in Los Angeles; Australia’s group includes the U.S. and Paraguay. USMNT vs Paraguay logistics: SoFi Stadium workers at a key World Cup venue are set for a strike vote over stalled contract talks, raising pressure ahead of the June 12 opener featuring the U.S. against Paraguay. Community & culture: A Calvert City watch party and soccer festival is seeking sponsors, vendors, food trucks, and volunteers, with proceeds aimed at building mini soccer pitches. Sports media: FIFA released “Game Time” by Future and Tyla as the next World Cup album track.

World Cup Ticket Heat: Fans are snapping up 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage tickets fast, with the USMNT drawing the highest demand in the US and Canada and an average secondary-market price of $1,453—peaking at about $1,765 for the June 12 opener vs Paraguay at SoFi. French Open Controversy (Paraguay): Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo criticized the officiating after his five-set loss to France’s Moïse Kouamé, saying the match “needs to be umpired by a man” amid crowd-control complaints. Paraguay in the Spotlight (Sports & Culture): Asunción’s tourism and identity push continues, with Paraguay ranking 6th in Latin America and the Caribbean for international meetings and events, while local cultural pieces highlight national symbols and creativity—from the kygua vera to new music and city storytelling campaigns. Infrastructure Watch: The Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in its final stretch on the Paraguay-Brazil border, aiming to cut export transit times toward Asia.

Libertadores Night in Asunción: Cerro Porteño host Sporting Cristal at La Olla on May 28, a Group F decider with the Paraguayan side leading 10 points to 6, and bookmakers leaning toward a home win. World Cup build-up (Paraguay in focus): The U.S. opens its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12, with goalkeeper Matt Freese tipped by analysts as the leading option. French Open spotlight with Paraguay tie-in: Moïse Kouame, 17, reached the French Open third round in a five-set thriller over Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. Tourism diplomacy in Asunción: Bahamas Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin leads a delegation to UN Tourism meetings in Asunción on May 28–29, including a high-level forum on women shaping tourism. Local culture abroad: Gloria Estefan’s musical “Basura,” inspired by Paraguay’s Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra, premieres in Atlanta this Saturday.

French Open Spotlight: 17-year-old Moise Kouame made history by becoming the youngest man since Rafael Nadal (2003) to reach a Grand Slam third round, surviving a marathon against Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8) thriller. Paraguay Economy: A new reform push is aimed at turning Paraguay’s macro stability into cheaper financing for companies, with growth projected around 4% in 2026 but the “cost of capital” still too high. Aviation Policy: Paraguay’s President signed a law removing a 6% airline ticket tax to cut costs for carriers and boost the aviation sector. Sports & Culture: Recoleta advanced to the Sudamericana Round of 16 by finishing top of its group unbeaten, while Asunción hosts a free public astronomy program at the River Ecological Park and the International Book Fair runs May 28–June 7.

U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Ease: The Trump administration has told federal prosecutors in Miami to “stand down” and avoid criminal investigations into Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez, a long-time DEA target, signaling a warmer push to stabilize Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro’s capture. USMNT World Cup Build-Up: The U.S. men’s national team confirmed its 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Tim Ream and Cristian Roldan among the latest names, and Group D set to open vs Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Coach Under Fire: Mauricio Pochettino defended his decision to communicate with omitted players by email rather than calls, saying those left out typically don’t want immediate contact after disappointment. Local Sports Culture: Paraguay’s presence in Group D is already driving fan events and watch parties across North America as the tournament approaches.

World Cup 2026 (Paraguay focus): The U.S. men’s squad for the home World Cup is officially set, with Mauricio Pochettino naming 26 players and kicking off Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Team news: Defender Chris Richards is in the roster after an ankle injury scare, and Tim Ream is widely seen as the likely captain for the opener. Roster controversy: Pochettino defended the decision to email players left out instead of calling them, sparking backlash and a heated public response. Schedule check: The tournament runs June 11 to July 19, with USA’s group matches also against Australia (June 19) and Türkiye (June 25). Asunción & Paraguay events: Paraguay will host a major Mercosur business leaders meeting in Asunción on May 28, and the Italian community marks the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic with a festival at Plaza Italia on May 31. Digital life: Paraguay reports internet use at 85.4% of people aged 10+ in 2025.

USMNT World Cup Roster: Mauricio Pochettino named the U.S. 26-man squad for the 2026 home World Cup, with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie leading the charge, and Gio Reyna included despite limited club minutes—Pochettino called his talent and recent international form “amazing.” Controversy & Cuts: The big debate centers on midfield omissions Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann, plus a messy announcement rollout that drew backlash after players were told via WhatsApp/email rather than personal calls. Goalkeeper Race: Pochettino said the “goalkeeper is open,” keeping fans guessing between Matt Freese, Matt Turner and Chris Brady. Injury Watch: Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner will decide Wednesday whether Chris Richards can play after an ankle injury. Local Angle: Chicago Fire’s Chris Brady is the Madison connection pick, while the Philly region celebrates a record number of players making the U.S. team.

USMNT World Cup send-off: Mauricio Pochettino’s final 26-man squad is set to be unveiled Tuesday in New York, with the event broadcast on FOX—after multiple leaked reports stirred anticipation. Mexico’s last U.S. tune-up: Mexico will cap its three-day Rose Bowl send-off with a May 30 friendly vs Australia, aiming for a near-capacity crowd. French Open shockwaves: Teen wildcard Moise Kouame, 17, made history by beating Marin Cilic to become the youngest man to win a Grand Slam match in 17 years; Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka advanced, while British No.1 Cameron Norrie retired injured after one set and is now a major Wimbledon doubt. Pope travel watch: Uruguay’s bishops say there’s a high chance Pope Leo XIV will visit late 2026, likely as part of a regional trip. Health & climate: A new multi-country study links hotter conditions to higher risk of premature birth in 13 countries, including Paraguay. Paraguay in the spotlight: Direct poultry exports to the UAE have been authorized, opening a major new market.