Paraguay coach takes a stand: The cost of World Cup dreams

Paraguay’s coach didn’t hold back during a recent practice in California. He called out how the World Cup has turned into a pricey show for the few, pushing regular fans aside. Tickets these days cost a fortune, making it tough even for dedicated supporters to cheer their team on. Alfaro pointed out that football started as a simple, cheap game for everyone—especially the poor—but now feels out of reach for most.He also criticized how the game keeps stopping for ads disguised as "hydration breaks, " turning matches into a commercial free-for-all. For Alfaro, football’s spirit is about the love of the game, not profit. His team comes from hardworking backgrounds, where a ball was a precious toy shared by many. Now, he argues, the sport risks losing that magic. After a rough start in the tournament—losing badly to the U. S. then scraping a win against Turkey—the team is fighting to prove they belong. Their next match against Australia could make or break their World Cup journey. Alfaro insists his players aren’t intimidated. They’re playing with heart, and that’s worth more than flashy stadiums or big budgets.