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Paraguay secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Colombia in 2026 International Friendly

Paraguay defeated Colombia 1-0 in the 2026 International Friendly, with Hugo Benitez scoring the decisive goal for the victory. Check out here the highlights.

Miguel Almiron of Paraguay kicking the ball.
© Elsa /Getty ImagesMiguel Almiron of Paraguay kicking the ball.

Paraguay defeated Colombia 1-0 in a 2026 International Friendly at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with Hugo Benitez scoring the decisive goal. Paraguay’s defense stood firm throughout the match as Colombia struggled to find a way through.

Colombia controlled possession for long stretches and pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Paraguay remained solid defensively. Hugo Benitez opened the scoring after a mistake from Jhon Lucumi allowed Hugo Cuenca to win the ball and set up the striker inside the box.

Paraguay held on through the final minutes despite Colombia throwing everything forward. Orlando Gill also made an important save on a backheel effort from Luis Suarez as Paraguay secured the 1-0 victory.

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Paraguay beat Colombia 1-0 in the 2026 International Friendly and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip.

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90' - Full time! (0-1)

Paraguay defeat Colombia 1-0 at Sports Illustrated Stadium, securing the victory in the 2026 International Friendly.

90' - Three minutes added as Gomez is booked (0-1)

Three minutes of stoppage time have been added. Gustavo Gomez is also shown a yellow card for a foul on Jaminton Campaz.

87' - Colombia make another change! (0-1)

Jhon Arias comes off for Colombia, with Camilo Duran entering the game.

86' - Paraguay make two more changes (0-1)

Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso come off for Paraguay, with Mauricio and Ramon Sosa entering the game.

83' - Colombia make two more changes (0-1)

Gustavo Puerta and Edier Ocampo come off for Colombia, with Jhon Solis and Daniel Munoz entering the game.

81' - Puerta is booked as Colombia push forward (0-1)

Gustavo Puerta receives a yellow card for a foul after a warning from the referee, as Colombia are throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer.

75' - Cubas is booked as Paraguay make a change (0-1)

Andres Cubas receives a yellow card for a foul on Jhon Arias. Paraguay also make a change, with Hugo Cuenca coming off and Matias Galarza entering the game.

73' - Asprilla is booked for stopping a dangerous attack (0-1)

Yaser Asprilla receives a yellow card for a foul on Julio Enciso that stopped a dangerous attacking play.

71' - Colombia make two changes (0-1)

Jhon Lucumi and Richard Rios come off for Colombia, with Samuel Velasquez and Matias Orozco entering the game.

68' - Colombia waste a dangerous sequence (0-1)

A dangerous free kick from Jhon Arias was deflected out for a corner, but Colombia were unable to make the most of the set piece either.

66' - Paraguay make two changes (0-1)

Juan Caceres and Hugo Benitez come off for Paraguay, with Alan Benitez and Alex Arce entering the game.

62' - Colombia push forward in search of an equalizer (0-1)

Colombia are now taking control of possession as they look to get back into the game, but Alfaro's side continues to show their defensive solidity, something they also demonstrated at the 2026 World Cup.

57' - GOAAAAAAL FOR PARAGUAY! (0-1)

A huge mistake and lapse in concentration from Jhon Lucumi allowed Hugo Cuenca to win the ball and set up Hugo Benitez inside the box. His first shot was saved, but he won the rebound and made no mistake with his second effort.

50' - Colombia make two changes (0-0)

Luis Suarez and Alvaro Angulo come off for Colombia, with Kevin Viveros and Jaminton Campaz entering the game.

45' - Second half is underway! (0-0)

The second half is underway at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with Colombia and Paraguay still level at 0-0.

45' - Halftime! (0-0)

The first half comes to an end with Colombia and Paraguay level at 0-0 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

45+5' - Gill denies Suarez with a backheel effort (0-0)

Orlando Gill made a save after Luis Suarez tried a backheel effort inside the box. Colombia are pushing forward as the first half approaches its conclusion.

45' - Five minutes added (0-0)

The referee has added five minutes of stoppage time to the first half.

43' - Caceres is booked for a foul on Jhon Arias (0-0)

Juan Caceres receives a yellow card for a foul on Jhon Arias in Paraguay's defensive third.

38' - Play resumes! (0-0)

The match has resumed after the stoppage caused by the head collision between Juan Caceres and Yaser Asprilla.

38' - Game stopped after another head collision (0-0)

Play has been stopped again after a head collision between Juan Caceres and Yaser Asprilla. The medical staff is on the field attending to both players.

31' - Colombia struggle to find space (0-0)

Colombia are unable to find space, as Alfaro's defensive setup has been very solid. Paraguay's movements when transitioning into attack have also been dangerous, and Nestor Lorenzo's side is not looking comfortable.

27' - Paraguay miss a huge chance (0-0)

Juan Caceres made a great run down the right wing and found himself with plenty of time before delivering a cross to Julio Enciso, who had entered the box unmarked. Enciso struck the ball first time, but sent his effort high over the goal.

22' - Both sides wait for an opening (0-0)

The game maintains the same trend, with Colombia lowering the intensity of their pressure and waiting in midfield to press when Paraguay approach their area. Both sides are giving up possession and waiting for an error to create an opportunity.

17' - Colombia control possession (0-0)

Colombia are opting for possession and patient buildup, but they have been unable to break through Paraguay's defensive line. Paraguay, meanwhile, are looking to create danger through quick transitions with Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso.

12' - Play resumes! (0-0)

Play has resumed, and Aldair Quintana remains on the field after the medical staff stopped the bleeding and bandaged his head.

7' - Game stopped after head collision (0-0)

Play has been stopped after a heavy head collision involving Aldair Quintana. The medical staff is on the field attending to the Colombian goalkeeper.

4' - Enciso handles the ball inside the box (0-0)

Enciso handled the ball inside the box during the first attacking sequence for either side. Paraguay started the match, but Colombia have controlled possession so far.

0' - Game is underway! (0-0)

The clash between Colombia and Paraguay is underway at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Today's venue

Colombia vs Paraguay will be played at Sports Illustrated Stadium, also known as Red Bull Stadium, located in Harrison, New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. The venue has a capacity of 25,189 spectators and features a compact structure that keeps the stands close to the field.

The stadium is home to New York Red Bulls and also hosts Gotham FC games. For this friendly, a strong turnout of Colombian and Paraguayan fans is expected, with the possibility of a great atmosphere in the stands.

Paraguay starting XI

Alfaro's side will line up as follows: Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Omar Alderete, Gustavo Gomez, Junior Alonso; Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez; Hugo Cuenca, Miguel Almiron, Julio Enciso; Hugo Benitez.

Colombia confirmed lineup

Colombia will line up as follows: Aldair Quintana; Edier Ocampo, Kevin Andrade, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Alvaro Angulo; Richard Rios, Gustavo Puerta; Jhon Arias, Yaser Asprilla; Luis Suarez.

Why isn't Luis Diaz playing?

The absence of the attacker stands out given his importance to Colombia. However, there is no injury behind his absence, as the decision is directly related to workload management following a particularly demanding schedule with Bayern Munich.

Recent history

Both sides will meet again after their last official clash in March 2025 in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, which ended in an exciting 2-2 draw. This new friendly will allow both coaches to test their teams as they prepare for their upcoming official challenges.

Start time and where to watch

Colombia vs Paraguay will get underway at 8:00 PM ET (PT:5:00 PM)

Watch this International Friendly match between Colombia and Paraguay live in the USA on Fanatiz and Triller TV+.

Colombia and Paraguay clash in 2026 international friendly

Welcome to our live blog of an international friendly match!

Colombia face Paraguay at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Colombia and Paraguay battle it out today!