Diego Gomez, a 23-year-old Paraguayan midfielder, expressed profound emotion at a press conference in Los Angeles on June 12 regarding his representation of Paraguay in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. As he struggled to find words to convey his feelings, tears welled up, and his coach, Gustavo Alfaro, stood by to offer support.
Paraguay's last appearance in the World Cup was back in 2010, where they remarkably reached the quarterfinals in South Africa. Following that success, the national team experienced a significant decline, diminishing its presence on the global stage.
Gomez, whose full name is Diego Alexander Gomez Amarilla, represents a new generation of players aiming to restore Paraguay's football legacy. Born in 2003, he has never played in a World Cup and scored his first senior international goal on September 10, 2024, during a qualifying match against Brazil, which ended in a 1-0 victory.
Following his development at Club Libertad in Paraguay, Gomez made a move to Inter Miami in July 2023. His career took a significant leap when Brighton & Hove Albion signed him in January 2025 for a club-record fee of approximately £14 million, or about €25 million.
As Paraguay prepares for the World Cup, they have been drawn into Group D, which includes co-hosts, the United States. Alfaro was also present at Gomez's press conference, highlighting the emotional and supportive environment as they embark on this important journey.