Philadelphia, July 5 -- Paraguayan President Santiago Pena paid an emotional tribute to the national team following its FIFA World Cup 2026 exit, praising the players for their fighting spirit after a narrow 0-1 defeat to France in the Round of 16.

In a post on X after the match, Pena wrote, "Thank you for everything, @Albirroja! You are lions, warriors until the last minute. You gave your all on the pitch and made us feel proud to be Paraguayan, and the entire world felt it. Today, a whole country applauds you and waits for you with open arms. Thank you for representing our grit (garra), our passion, and the spirit of a people that never gives up."

Paraguay's World Cup campaign came to an end at Lincoln Financial Field after Kylian Mba...