AGP Executive Report

Paraguay World Cup Squad: Paraguay’s federation finalized its 26-player roster for FIFA World Cup 2026 under coach Gustavo Alfaro, stressing a disciplined defensive block, fast counterattacks, and leadership from captain Gustavo Gómez, with Orlando Gill, Roberto Junior Fernández and Gastón Olveira named in goal and a midfield built for recovery and tempo control. Local Security for the Tournament: In Los Angeles, authorities laid out major public-safety plans for matches at SoFi Stadium, warning that drone operators entering restricted airspace could face steep fines and that criminal activity could mean a “red card” plus jail time; officials also pushed fans to follow venue rules and buy tickets only through official channels. Paraguay in the International Spotlight: Paraguay deepened ties with Israel through Jerusalem diplomacy, while separate reports highlighted Paraguay’s arrests of Americans for marijuana smuggling and a major hashish seizure involving a private jet. Sports Diplomacy & Talent Links: Paraguay’s World Cup campaign also intersects with global sports networks, including callups of Paraguayan players abroad and broader regional attention as squads arrive in host cities.

Paraguay–Israel Diplomacy: Paraguay marked Independence Day in Jerusalem with Ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman saying “Paraguay is in Jerusalem because it believes in Israel,” as ties deepened with Israeli officials and lawmakers. Sports & National Mood: In Paraguay, Gustavo Alfaro is credited with turning the national team around using a psychology-led approach, as the squad heads to the 2026 World Cup after securing the berth. Energy Policy: Paraguay opened its electricity sector to private investment via regulations under the Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Law, allowing homes and businesses to install solar and sell surplus back to the grid under net metering. Public Sector Careers: Paraguay’s Economy Ministry launched applications for a 2026/2027 University Internship Programme, targeting final-year students across economics, law, engineering, political science and more. Aviation Ownership: Paranair was sold to Canadian and Bolivian investors, with Paraguay’s aviation authority reviewing new shareholders for certification. Drug Trafficking Case: Paraguay detained four U.S. citizens after seizing a private aircraft carrying 261.6 kg of high-THC marijuana at Silvio Pettirossi airport, with prosecutors charging them with international drug trafficking.

Socceroos World Cup Squad: Australia named its final 26 for FIFA World Cup 2026, led by Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie, with 17 first-timers; the big talking point is Cristian Volpato, who switched allegiance from Italy to Australia just days before the announcement. USMNT Tune-Up: Christian Pulisic ended a five-month scoring drought as the U.S. beat Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte, with Pulisic setting up Sergiño Dest and scoring himself, while Senegal’s Sadio Mané struck twice after U.S. defensive errors. Paraguay Security: Paraguay’s Navy seized 1,037 kg of marijuana near the Paraná River in Itapúa, close to Argentina, after detecting people loading packages into a canoe; an exchange of fire was reported as suspects fled. Diplomacy in Jerusalem: Paraguay marked Independence Day at its Jerusalem embassy, where Ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman said, “Paraguay is in Jerusalem because it believes in Israel,” in remarks attended by Israeli officials and diplomats.

Paraguay Sports & Tourism: Paraguay is set to make cycling history with the inaugural L’Étape Encarnación by Tour de France on May 31, bringing an officially licensed ASO event to Encarnación and expected to draw riders from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and beyond. Asunción Urban Life: Asunción’s traffic crisis is worsening as the city’s daily inflow of workers, students and visitors (over 1.5 million) far outpaces its resident population, straining roads, public services and municipal finances. World Cup Build-Up (Group D): The USMNT’s pre-tournament friendlies continue as the team prepares for its June 12 opener vs Paraguay, with tune-up matches against Senegal and Germany and roster decisions under Mauricio Pochettino. International Spotlight on Paraguay: At the French Open, Paraguayan player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo faces a “significant” sanction after sexist remarks about a female umpire, following a long five-set loss to Moise Kouame. Regional Politics (Indirect): Guyana’s APNU and PNCR criticized U.S. pressure over Cuba, arguing the U.S. blockade is worsening Cuba’s health and energy crisis.

US-Brazil Security Clash: Brazil rejected the Trump administration’s move to label the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist groups, warning it’s an “attack” on sovereignty and economy, while Lula also accused rival Flávio Bolsonaro of seeking U.S. intervention ahead of October elections. World Cup Labor & Access: At SoFi Stadium, Unite Here Local 11 halted talks and authorized a strike vote over expired contracts covering food-and-beverage workers, just before the June 12 U.S.-Paraguay opener; meanwhile, thousands of tickets still appear unsold for that match. Paraguay in the Spotlight: Australia’s Cristian Volpato switched allegiance to the Socceroos and will join their camp; he’s in a group with the U.S. and Paraguay. Immigration Under Health Pressure: ICE temporarily released Jose Yugar-Cruz, facing deportation to Congo amid the Ebola emergency, after a judge found his detention unlawful and attorneys argued relocation was needed for safety. Sports Culture & Rights: A Paraguayan tennis player faces a “significant” fine at the French Open after sexist remarks about a female umpire.

World Cup Ticketing Pressure: FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket demand is surging in the U.S. and Canada, with USMNT group-stage matches drawing the highest average secondary-market prices—especially the June 12 opener vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium—while other host-city reports warn some hotels and rooms are still struggling to sell. Paraguay in the Spotlight: Paraguay’s tourism push is getting a boost as GlobeWatch ranks the country sixth in Latin America and the Caribbean for international meetings, with Asunción also placing in the top tier for cities. Infrastructure & Trade: The Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in its final stretch on the Paraguay–Brazil border, aiming to cut export transit times toward Asia by about 10–15 days. Mercosur Politics: Japan’s ruling party lawmakers urge caution over Mercosur talks, warning about potential impacts on livestock imports. USMNT Leadership Talk: Mauricio Pochettino says his agent may have discussed AC Milan, but he remains open to staying with the U.S. after the World Cup. Culture & Identity: A new feature highlights the kygua vera as a Paraguayan symbol tied to women’s status and identity in Asunción’s history.

World Cup Politics & Security: The U.S. is designating Brazil’s PCC and Comando Vermelho as narco-terrorist groups, while the Trump administration has also told Miami prosecutors to stand down on criminal probes involving Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez. FIFA Under Fire: New York and New Jersey attorneys general are investigating FIFA over “fake scarcity” and sky-high 2026 World Cup ticket prices, including how tickets were allocated and sold. Paraguay Economy: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña signed a law scrapping a 6% airline ticket tax to cut costs for carriers and boost aviation and tourism. Local Governance & Courts: In the Philippines, Nordeco has taken its power-distribution dispute with Davao Light to the Supreme Court, seeking to prevent disruptions while the case is reviewed. Culture & Paraguay Abroad: Gloria Estefan’s musical “Basura,” based on Asunción’s Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra, is set for a U.S. premiere in Atlanta.

Paraguay Economic Agenda: Paraguay’s reform push is shifting from proving fiscal credibility to cutting the “cost of capital,” with analysts pointing to strong growth prospects but still-high financing costs for companies. Aviation Policy: President Santiago Peña signed a law scrapping the 6% airline ticket tax, aiming to lower carrier costs and boost international routes. Energy & Courts: Nordeco has taken its dispute with Davao Light over Tagum-area power distribution to the Supreme Court, seeking to halt the effects of a May 15 expropriation and possession order. World Cup Politics & Paraguay: FIFA’s ticket pricing is under investigation by U.S. state attorneys-general after complaints of “fake scarcity” and “impossibly high prices,” while Paraguay’s World Cup campaign is framed around its return after missing prior tournaments. Sports & Culture: Recoleta made Sudamericana history by topping its group unbeaten, and Asunción’s International Book Fair runs May 28–June 7 at Centro de Convenciones Mariscal.

U.S.-Venezuela Rapprochement: The Trump administration has told Miami federal prosecutors to “stand down” and avoid criminal investigations into Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez, easing pressure on a longtime DEA target as Washington seeks stability and room for investment. USMNT World Cup Build-Up: Mauricio Pochettino has finalized the U.S. 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cristian Roldan and Tim Weah among the selections; the U.S. opens Group D vs. Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. FIFA Logistics & Training Camps: FIFA confirmed base-camp sites for all 48 teams, with the U.S. using Irvine, California as its main operations hub. Paraguay in the Spotlight: Paraguay is set as the U.S. opener opponent, and the tournament’s expanded format keeps more teams in contention early. Cybersecurity Watch: A new report says Latin America’s public sector is among the most breached, with government data increasingly stolen and monetized.

USMNT World Cup Roster: Mauricio Pochettino has set the U.S. squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Tim Ream expected to wear the captain’s armband and Gio Reyna returning to the team after the 2022 Doha controversy. The roster includes Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were left out—decisions Pochettino defended amid criticism over how omissions were communicated. World Cup Opener vs Paraguay: USA’s Group D campaign starts June 12 at SoFi Stadium against Paraguay, with the schedule also featuring matches vs Australia (June 19) and Türkiye (June 25). Paraguay in the spotlight: Coverage also highlights Paraguay’s 2026 World Cup return after 16 years and frames the matchup as a key test for the host team. Paraguay policy & economy: Paraguay launched its first large-scale solar tender (140 MW, Loma Plata) under Law 7599/2025, and is set to host a Mercosur business leaders meeting in Asunción on May 28. Digital Paraguay: New INE data says 85.4% of Paraguayans aged 10+ used the internet in 2025.

USMNT World Cup Roster: Mauricio Pochettino has named his 26-man squad for the home 2026 World Cup, with Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas making the cut while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann are left out—decisions that sparked immediate backlash after Pochettino’s “disrespectful” email-style communication drew criticism. Squad Logic Under Fire: Pochettino defended the calls as “painful” but necessary, pointing to Reyna’s “amazing talent” and strong November form, even as Reyna has had limited club minutes. Injury Watch: Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner said Chris Richards’ ankle status for his club final will be decided Wednesday, while the US has also added Sergiño Dest, Tyler Adams, and Haji Wright after March injury absences. Local Angle: The roster also keeps Texas and local ties in focus, with players like Weston McKennie and El Paso’s Zendejas heading to Group D opener vs Paraguay on June 12.

World Cup Build-Up: FIFA has confirmed the full list of 48 teams’ base camps across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with defending champions Argentina and England set for Kansas City and Iran placed in Tijuana to sidestep U.S. visa hurdles—while Mexico’s roster reveal and final preparations keep rolling toward June 11. Paraguay Politics: Paraguay’s Superior Electoral Court has started a technical verification of voting machines for June 7 internal elections, with parties allowed to question the fully disassembled system as the review runs through Thursday. Health & Climate: A new multi-country study links hotter summers to higher risk of premature birth, including data covering Paraguay among 13 countries. Sports & Culture: Mexico’s Rose Bowl friendly vs Australia anchors a three-day send-off, and Asunción’s ballet season opens with “The Sylph.” Energy & Industry: ATOME selected Sungrow Hydrogen to supply electrolysers for a Villeta, Paraguay low-carbon fertilizer project powered by Itaipu hydropower.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA has unveiled base camps for all 48 teams, with defending champions Argentina and England set for Kansas City and most squads anchored in the U.S., while Iran’s base in Tijuana is tied to visa workarounds. Paraguay Politics: Paraguay’s Superior Electoral Court has started a technical verification of voting machines for June 7 internal elections, with parties allowed to question the fully disassembled system. Drug Case in Paraguay: Prosecutors say they’ve mapped a Marset-linked cocaine route from Bolivia through Paraguay to European ports, describing a multi-part network and large volumes tied to seizures. Regional Gender Policy: Brazil proposed a Mercosur pact against femicide, pushing coordinated prevention and justice measures across member states. Football Shock in the U.S.: Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo are reportedly left off the early U.S. World Cup roster draft, adding roster drama as Pochettino finalizes decisions. World Cup Costs: Hotel prices in host cities are jumping sharply year-over-year, raising fresh concerns about fan affordability.

Mercosur Women’s Pact: Brazil is pushing a regional agreement against femicide, unveiled in Asunción at the Mercosur meeting, with cooperation on prevention, protection, and access to justice—plus new moves on digital platform rules and online violence. Spain Migration & Safety: Spain says residency permits for foreign women citing gender violence jumped nearly 500% since 2017, hitting 3,758 in 2024, with Colombia and Morocco the biggest sources. Paraguay Drug Case: Prosecutors filed an indictment against Gianina García Troche, detailing a Paraguay-based cocaine route from Bolivia to European ports, including clandestine flights through the Chaco. World Cup Politics & Pressure: A U.S.-led anti-cartel coalition, “Shield of the Americas,” is expanding military cooperation and pressing Mexico for tougher action. Asunción Community Life: Huellitas Run returns May 31 at the Botanic Gardens, backing a permanent animal shelter and promoting responsible adoption. Sports Watch: USMNT’s 26-man World Cup roster is reportedly close, while Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez says he played through a broken finger but may avoid surgery.

Drug Trafficking Case: Paraguay’s Prosecutor’s Office has filed an indictment tied to Sebastián Marset’s network, alleging a Bolivia-to-Europe cocaine pipeline run through Paraguay’s Chaco with clandestine flights and logistics managed by local and foreign partners, including a front company used to mask wealth. Diplomatic Tensions: Panama’s president is urging calmer relations with China as ship inspections and detentions tied to canal disputes escalate, with the U.S. also weighing in. Sports & National Mood: In football, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes set a Premier League single-season assist record, while Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez says he played through a broken finger and is racing to be fit for the World Cup. Asunción & Paraguay Culture: Paraguay’s ceramics scene is set for a week of events culminating in a fair in Areguá, and the country has also established a National Anti-Doping Agency to tighten clean-sport rules.

Paraguay Sports Integrity: Paraguay has officially established a National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD-PY), aiming to align clean-sport rules with WADA through education, prevention, control, and anti-doping enforcement. Asunción Community Life: Mascotizate Fest 2026 is set to bring free veterinary care to hundreds of pets at Asunción’s Costanera on Sunday, with the project declared of municipal interest. Local Economy Watch: Asunción’s real estate approvals are surging, with the municipality reporting record income from building plan clearances and a growing pipeline of projects along major corridors. World Cup Security: In the U.S., officials are scrambling to prepare for possible drone threats at World Cup venues as new rules roll out and equipment gaps remain. Mexico World Cup Warm-up: Mexico beat Ghana 2-0 in Puebla, extending an unbeaten run to six matches ahead of its June opener. Regional Football Spotlight: Paraguayan Claudia “Claudinha” Martínez came off the bench as Washington Spirit fell 5-3 to Club América in the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup final. Health & Risk: Rising hantavirus concerns are being linked to public health gaps, with surveillance intensifying as cases spread in parts of the world.