AGP Executive Report

USMNT World Cup Roster: Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man squad is now the talk of the tournament, with Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas reportedly included while Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann and Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna are left out—setting up a roster debate right before the June 12 opener vs Paraguay. World Cup Ticket Shock: FIFA’s pricing fight keeps heating up, and Mexico City is now flagged as the priciest host city to watch a match, with the opener against South Africa driving the spike. Paraguay Sports & Culture: Paraguay’s anti-doping push moved forward with a new National Anti-Doping Agency, while football news also hits home as Claudia “Claudinha” Martínez’s run ends in a Concacaf Women’s final loss for Washington Spirit. Asunción Community: Ceramics take center stage in Paraguay with a week-long Ceramist Day programme and a fair in Areguá on May 30-31. Mental Health Spotlight: The Gifts of Pain series launches a Spanish volume to mark Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to tackle stigma with daily stories and strategies.

USMNT World Cup roster: Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly finalized the 26-man squad, with Gio Reyna included and Cristian Roldan also making the cut, while Tanner Tessmann and Diego Luna are among the notable omissions—setting up a Tuesday reveal in New York. Injury watch: The biggest immediate worry for the tournament picture is still fitness—Riley McGree limped off with a hamstring in Australia’s camp window, and US coverage continues to flag Chris Richards’ ankle situation as roster pressure rises. Public health: Hantavirus concerns are growing as authorities and experts point to gaps in sanitation, awareness, and preparedness. Asunción local life: Mascotizate Fest 2026 is set to bring free veterinary care to hundreds of pets at Costanera’s Tourist Esplanade, with the project declared of municipal interest. Paraguay economy: Digital payments are up 24% in early 2026, and the city’s real estate approvals are accelerating along major corridors.

World Cup fallout: FIFA’s expanded 48-team World Cup is set to bring record money—but environmental experts warn it could also become the most-polluting sporting event on record, with estimated CO2 emissions far above the 2024 Paris Olympics. Paraguay on the pitch: Mexico kept momentum rolling with a 2-0 friendly win over Ghana, while attention in Paraguay turns to the World Cup opener on June 13 and the latest squad focus. Local community: Asunción is set for Mascotizate Fest 2026 at Costanera’s Tourist Esplanade, offering free veterinary care and promoting responsible pet ownership. Economy & infrastructure: Paraguay’s digital payments jumped 24% in early 2026, and construction has started on a US$1.5B pulp mill—an industrial milestone aimed at building a new forestry-and-industry hub. Sports health: Emma Raducanu says she’s feeling a lot better ahead of the French Open after a lingering cough setback.

US World Cup roster buzz: The Athletic reports Gio Reyna is in Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man US squad, while Diego Luna is left out—days before the full roster reveal Tuesday, May 26. Injury watch: US defender Chris Richards has torn two ankle ligaments, with Crystal Palace calling his World Cup status “50/50,” though ESPN says he’s expected to be fit. FIFA discipline: FIFA ordered partial closure of Mexico’s Cuauhtemoc Stadium in Puebla for the Mexico–Ghana friendly after discriminatory chants, blocking some sections from ticket sales. Ticketing backlash: UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin criticized FIFA’s approach, arguing sky-high final prices can price out real fans. Trade & Paraguay: Uruguay filled 63% of its EU zero-tariff rice quota under Mercosur’s new deal; Paraguay also marked ties with Azerbaijan via a presidential congratulatory letter. Local Asunción culture: Galleries Night 2026 returns May 23 with 20 exhibitions across Asunción’s galleries.

World Cup Shock: USMNT defender Chris Richards has torn two ligaments in his ankle, ruled out of Crystal Palace’s Premier League finale and listed as “50/50” for the Conference League final—though ESPN sources say he’s expected to be fit for the June 12 World Cup opener vs Paraguay, with the U.S. roster due Tuesday (May 26). Fan Energy in Atlanta: Metro Atlanta is rolling out free World Cup watch parties and festivals, with multiple events planned around the city as the tournament nears. Global Soccer Buzz: FIFA’s 2026 squads keep coming in, including England’s expected announcement and Brazil’s Neymar call-up, while environmental experts warn the expanded, multi-country World Cup could become the most polluting sporting event on record. Local Power Watch: In Davao del Norte, consumers are urging Davao Light to boost grid reliability after a court order expanded its operational control—amid ongoing outage complaints.

USMNT World Cup Shock: Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner says Chris Richards has torn two ankle ligaments, ruling him out of the Arsenal match and making his World Cup status “50/50” just days before the U.S. roster is due. World Cup Build-Up: Teams are already releasing squads ahead of the June 1 deadline, with the tournament’s 48-team format and 104 matches across 16 North American cities now fully in motion. Bolivia Tensions, Regional Push for Calm: Trinidad and Tobago joined a “Shield of the Americas” statement urging peaceful protests and respect for Bolivia’s democratically elected government amid escalating unrest. Women’s Youth Football: Venezuela’s Vinotinto U-17 women were drawn into Group D at the Morocco U-17 World Cup alongside Japan and France. Local Asunción Life: A new guide highlights Asunción cafés and coworking spots for remote work, while the Pacific Club Open Water Swimming Cup returns to Nueva Asunción on May 24.

Paraguay Energy & Environment: Paraguay’s Ministry of Environment and Social Development (Mades) rejected a bill that would have allowed hydrocarbon prospecting and exploitation in the Médanos del Chaco National Park, citing protected-area law and risks to biodiversity and key water sources like the Yrenda aquifer. World Cup Shockwaves: FIFA is again floating a bigger 2030 tournament—up to 66 teams—while the 2026 build-up is already marked by empty seats and falling ticket prices, as fans push back on high costs and hotels report weaker bookings. Regional Business & Trade: Paraguay’s push for deeper ties is spreading—Korea’s education center in Paraguay has expanded, and the Philippines is weighing a free trade deal with Paraguay after Peña’s Manila visit. Tech Investment: HIVE Digital Technologies surged after buying Toronto land for a major AI data-center push, signaling continued momentum for compute-heavy investment.

World Cup Ticket Reality Check: With kick-off days away, U.S. venues are bracing for empty seats as resale prices slide—some matches reportedly dipping under $100—while FIFA’s pricing and distribution are under fire and scammers are circling. USMNT Build-Up: Ahead of the May 26 roster reveal in New York, Alejandro Bedoya is already naming his expected squad pieces, with Pochettino set to finalize the 26. AI Infrastructure Boom: HIVE Digital shares jumped after it said it’s buying $58M of Toronto land for a 320MW AI data-center push, signaling a bigger shift from bitcoin mining toward AI compute. Argentina Waterway Tender: Argentina opened economic bids for the Paraná–Paraguay waterway concession despite prosecutors warning of “serious and obvious irregularities,” with opposition pushing to halt the process. Philippines Trade Moves: Manila says it’s wrapping up four FTAs this year and is now weighing a deal with Paraguay, including meat exports.

World Cup Ticket Shock: FIFA’s “dynamic pricing” is backfiring in parts of the U.S.—new data shows World Cup seats in the San Francisco Bay Area have started sliding, with some matches now available for a few hundred dollars and the cheapest options reported around $140 for Paraguay-Australia. USMNT Roster Countdown: Mauricio Pochettino will unveil the 26-man U.S. squad on May 26 in New York, with a fan festival at Pier 17 ahead of the televised reveal. Brazil’s Comeback Moment: Neymar says he cried for hours after making Brazil’s World Cup roster, confirmed alongside an emotional call with Raphinha. Off-Field Pressure: A Hawaii corruption probe has forced the state human services director to quit after questions tied to COVID-19 testing contracts. Global Politics & Travel: Taiwan’s President Lai faces new overseas travel hurdles after Beijing pressured countries over his flight route.

World Cup squads roll in: Portugal has officially named Cristiano Ronaldo for his sixth World Cup, while more teams are publishing their rosters ahead of June 1 final submissions and June 2 announcements. Injuries & fitness watch: Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber is in doubt with a groin problem that could affect both the Champions League and his World Cup availability. Ticket backlash meets softer demand: FIFA’s pricing storm is colliding with reality—resale prices are dropping in parts of California, and some matches are reportedly dipping below $100. Local host prep: In Seattle, the tournament’s arrival is already driving planning for fan cities and watch parties, even as some host-city hotel demand looks weaker than early forecasts. Bolivia football venue drama: Conmebol reversed course and will keep Blooming vs Carabobo in Santa Cruz after security guarantees. Climate pressure: A WMO report warns extreme heat, floods, droughts, and stronger storms are intensifying across Latin America and the Caribbean.

World Cup Buzz: FIFA’s tournament is nearing kickoff, but demand is looking shaky—ticket resale prices in parts of California are dropping fast, with some matches reportedly dipping below $100 as fans react to dynamic pricing. Squads & Stars: Cristiano Ronaldo is set for his sixth World Cup with Portugal, while Brazil’s Neymar has been recalled after nearly three years out. Bolivia Unrest: Protests against President Rodrigo Paz are now in a third consecutive week, with road blockades and clashes triggering shortages and prompting U.S. support for the government. Regional Tech & Entertainment: Titan OS is partnering with Mercado Play to bring a bigger streaming library to smart TVs across Latin America. Philippines Economy: The ADB is urging the Philippines to finalize its borrowing plan as the balance-of-payments deficit hit a record $7.41B in the first four months. Road Safety: The 8th Ibero-American Meeting on Data and Road Safety opens in Santo Domingo, aiming to cut crashes with shared data and practical strategies.

World Cup Buzz: Neymar is back—Brazil recalled the star to its 26-man squad after nearly three years away, with coach Carlo Ancelotti saying he’ll play only if he’s fit. USMNT Build-Up: the U.S. schedule is set for June 12 vs Paraguay, June 19 vs Australia, and June 25 vs Türkiye, while fans keep watching injuries and final roster timing. Ticket Backlash: demand looks soft—resale prices are sliding, with at least one group match reportedly dropping below $100. Streaming & Fan Life: Tubi launched a free “FOX Hub” for World Cup coverage, and local watch parties are popping up from Everett’s Waterfront to community events tied to June 12. Bolivia Tensions: the U.S. backed President Rodrigo Paz as protests enter a third week, with shortages reported amid roadblocks. Climate Pressure: a new regional climate report warns extreme heat, floods, and drought are escalating health and food risks across Latin America and the Caribbean.

World Cup Buzz: Tubi is rolling out a free “FOX Hub” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 4K simulcasts of the opening ceremony plus Mexico vs South Africa (June 11) and USMNT vs Paraguay (June 12), alongside a 24/7 feed of FOX Sports programming and highlights. Ticket Shock: Resale prices are now dipping below $100 for at least one match, a sign demand may be softer than FIFA expected. Climate Backlash: Scientists and advocates are calling this the “most polluting” World Cup yet, pointing to the expanded 48-team format and travel across 16 venues in three countries. Asunción Local Life: Paraguay’s capital is also in the spotlight for remote-work culture, with cafés and coworking spaces in Villa Morra and Recoleta drawing freelancers. Tech & Industry: In Canada, HIVE’s BUZZ HPC says it’s advancing a 320 MW AI “gigafactory” in the Greater Toronto Area. Sports Elsewhere: USMNT injury worries grow as Brenden Aaronson and Chris Richards both limped off in Premier League action.

World Diplomacy: Israel approved a plan to financially “incentivize” countries to move embassies to Jerusalem, offering help with relocation costs plus housing and planning support. USMNT World Cup Jitters: Two key U.S. players limped off in Premier League matches—Brenden Aaronson with a left knee issue and Chris Richards with a left ankle problem—raising fresh questions ahead of squad selection. Bolivia Unrest: Security forces in La Paz clashed with protesters, using tear gas to clear road blockades; 57 people were detained and officials say a “humanitarian corridor” is being opened amid a deep economic crisis. Banking Watch: Philippines banks’ bad-loan ratio eased to 3.29% in March, a three-month low, as loan growth helped offset rising soured loans. Sports Roundup: Real Madrid beat Sevilla 1-0; Inter and Hellas Verona drew 1-1; and Bayern closed the Bundesliga season with a 5-1 win over Köln.

Giro d’Italia Stage 9: The race is back on May 17 with a fresh push as a breakaway of 11 riders holds a slim 2-minute gap, setting up a tense day ahead. Premier League: Wolverhampton vs Fulham is in full swing at Molineux, with Fulham pressing hard after a first-half penalty equalizer. World Cup countdown: The U.S. hosts the 48-team tournament with Group D matchups starting June 12 vs Paraguay, while fans keep raising alarms over ticket costs and FIFA’s resale fees. Bolivia unrest: Bolivia says 57 people were detained after clashes tied to fuel shortages, inflation, and blockades—three deaths reported as protesters disrupted access to hospitals. Defense spending: SIPRI reports Brazil leads South America’s military spend, with Uruguay showing one of the steepest relative jumps. Paraguay culture: San Lorenzo Mártir church restoration is entering its final phase, and Asunción keeps Independence-week events rolling.

World Cup Watch & Streaming: Seattle fans can catch all 104 matches on FOX (KCPQ 13) and FS1, with local games split evenly across FOX 13 and FS1; streaming options include FOX One and the FOX Sports app (plus YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV, and Tubi for select matches). Ticket Shock Backlash: FIFA is under fresh fire over soaring resale prices and fees, with fans reporting “sticker shock” and critics calling it greed. FIFA Culture Clash: In Dallas, pop star Kacey Musgraves joined the outrage after a beloved whale mural was painted over for World Cup plans. US Pressure Over Home Support: A new U.S. team documentary says players are “devastated” by the lack of home crowd energy during the tournament. Bolivia Unrest: A government deal with miners didn’t end the chaos in La Paz, where blockades and clashes continued. Philippines Governance: Marcos urged PMA graduates not to stay silent about wrongdoing amid controversy involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Sports Elsewhere: Bayern closed out the Bundesliga season with a 5-1 win over Köln; Giro d’Italia Stage 8 went to Jhonatan Narváez.