Paraguay Defeats Chile and Will Face Brazil for the Title

• Returns to the World Cup after missing out in 2024.
• Will compete for its second continental title.

The Pynandi lost their opening match in the CONMEBOL Copa América Fútbol Playa 2025™, falling 7-5 to Venezuela, but they bounced back just in time: they won four consecutive games (including against Brazil) and secured a spot in the Seychelles 2025 World Cup.

Paraguay dominated Chile from start to finish. Within the first minute, they took the lead thanks to a header from Martínez following a long throw by Rolón.

Chilean goalkeeper Pablo Rodríguez made a triple save in the second minute of the first period to stop the Albirroja’s momentum.

A red card for Medina in the first period momentarily leveled the game, but Paraguay soon regained control.

At the start of the second period, Martínez extended the lead for Molas' team once again.

A minute later, Durán struck a powerful shot to pull one back for Chile. However, just before the end of the second period, Benítez restored Paraguay's two-goal advantage.

In the final minutes of the third period, Benítez and San Martín (Chile's top scorer in the tournament) each found the net, sealing the 4-2 final score.

Paraguay is returning to the World Cup and aims to repeat its 2022 title this Sunday. Waiting for them will be Brazil, the reigning champion of both the tournament and the World Cup.

Meanwhile, host nation Chile will face Colombia in the third-place match, hoping to qualify for their first-ever World Cup.

Lineups

Paraguay (4): 12- Yoao Rolón, 3- Thiago Barrios, 8- Carlos Carballo (Captain), 10- Valentín Benítez, 11- Mathías Martínez.

Substitutes: 1- Carlos Ovelar, 4- Jhovanny Benítez, 5- Amado Rolón, 6- Pedro Morán, 7- Milciades Medina, 9- Néstor Medina.

Coach: Joaquín Molas.

Chile (2): 12- Pablo Rodríguez, 5- Gabriel Bacian, 6- Diego Opazo Gorostiaga, 9- Héctor Tobar, 10- Daniel Durán.

Substitutes: 1- Orlando Echeverría, 2- Sebastián Bolívar, 3- César Rama, 4- Matías Araya, 7- Diego San Martín, 8- Andrés Albuerno (Captain), 11- Javier Aguilera.

Coach: Eduardo Medalla.

Goals:

First period: 1’ Mathías Martínez (P). Partial score: Paraguay 1-0 Chile

Second period: 1’ Mathías Martínez (P), 2’ Daniel Durán (C), 12’ Valentín Benítez (P). Partial score: Paraguay 3-1 Chile

Third period: 11’ Valentín Benítez (P), 12’ Diego San Martín (C). Final score: Paraguay 4-2 Chile

Cards:

First period: 4’ Red card for Néstor Medina (P)

Main referee: Jaimito Suárez (Bolivia)