STORY: World Cup fans in Asuncion appeared on edge as they watched Paraguay team defeated by co-hosts United States on Friday (June 12), but adds there is still hope in other games for the team to move into further qualifying rounds.

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro described his side's 4-1 defeat on Friday as a "very painful lesson", saying his players were outclassed tactically, technically and physically in their first World Cup match in 16 years.

"The pressure on the guys was quite noticeable. You can tell that traveling to the United States made them play differently. A stadium of 70,000 people, obviously, you play differently. The Americans, honestly, played very well," said 20-year-old fan, Angel Coene.

"I am very proud of Paraguay for where we are now and i know that we can do even more. There are two games left and I know that we are going to reach the round of 16," said Emilia Jara, another World Cup fan.

Paraguay's long-awaited return to the World Cup ended in a harsh reality check as the South Americans struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of the hosts, who exposed weaknesses across the pitch to open their campaign with an emphatic victory.

Paraguay face Turkey next before concluding the group stage against Australia.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: ASUNCION, PARAGUAY (JUNE 13, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF DRONE FOOTAGE OF PARAGUAYAN FANS WATCHING THEIR NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM'S OPENING MATCH

2. VARIOUS OF WORRIED FANS DURING THE MATCH

3. PARAGUAYAN FANS LAMENTING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) STUDENT, ANGEL COENE, 20, SAYING:

"And the truth is, the pressure on the guys was quite noticeable. You can tell that traveling to the United States made them play differently. A stadium of 70,000 people, obviously, you play differently. The Americans, honestly, played very well. Maybe we underestimated them a little. But these are things that need polishing. As the competition progresses, I'm refining them. I think we're not doing too badly."

5. PARAGUAYAN FANS WATCHING THEIR NATIONAL TEAM'S OPENING MATCH

6. FAN PRAYING

7. FAN KISSING THE PARAGUAYAN CREST ON HER SHIRT

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) MATH TEACHER, FABRICIO DE LEÓN, 19, SAYING:

"And the truth is, opinions about the match, very few: goalkeeper urgently needs changing, excuse me (Orlando) Gil, but Gastón (Olveira) is better, that's all, that's all."

9. SAD PARAGUAYAN FANS

10. SEVERAL PARAGUAY FANS CHEERING

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) STUDENT, EMILIA JARA, SAYING:

"I am very proud of Paraguay for where we are now and i know that we can do even more. There are two games left and I know that we are going to reach the round of 16, yes or yes, we have to reach the round of 16."

12. PARAGUAY FANS WATCHING THE MATCH

13. PARAGUAY FANS KISSING THE SHIRT

14. VARIOUS OF PARAGUAYAN FANS IN THE PRE-MATCH

15. FLAG OF PARAGUAY WAVING AMONG CROWD