World Cup 2026: Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro criticises FIFA over tournament costs

Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro has launched a fresh criticism of FIFA, arguing that the rising costs associated with attending the 2026 World Cup have made the tournament increasingly inaccessible for ordinary supporters.

Alfaro’s latest comments come shortly after he voiced frustration over the dismissal of one of his players, who was sent off after covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during a match.

Speaking to reporters, the Paraguay manager broadened his criticism beyond on-field matters and turned his attention to what he believes is a growing disconnect between football and its supporters.

When asked about the importance of fan support during the tournament, Alfaro highlighted the financial challenges many supporters face when attempting to follow their national teams abroad.

“ The people I know are going through a very difficult time because traveling has become very complicated and very expensive ,” Alfaro complained.

The Paraguayan coach then questioned the direction in which major international tournaments are heading, suggesting that commercial interests are overshadowing the values that once defined the game.

“ World Cups are vastly overrated, the costs, everything else,” he sharply criticized. “The very essence of football has been lost. And football cannot be a business; it must remain football… And only a very small group has the chance to enjoy it. ”

Alfaro’s remarks also extended to elements of the modern matchday experience. Referring to cooling breaks during games, he described them as little more than “commercial breaks”, reinforcing his belief that financial considerations are increasingly influencing the sport.

The 63-year-old argued that football’s appeal has always rested on its accessibility and its ability to bring people together regardless of their social or economic background.

“ We all own football, especially the poorest, because the cheapest toy was a ball, sometimes difficult to obtain, but 22 people could play with a single toy. The power of football is therefore immense. And that is what we must defend. ”

For Alfaro, protecting that accessibility remains essential if football is to preserve its identity. His comments add to a wider debate surrounding the cost of attending major tournaments and the balance between commercial growth and maintaining the game’s connection with supporters.

The Paraguay coach has now become one of the most outspoken figures at the tournament, using his platform to question whether football is moving away from the people who helped make it the world’s most popular sport.