When the final whistle blew at the Alamodome on November 18, 2025, Paraguay’s players collapsed in celebration—not from joy alone, but from sheer relief. They’d just pulled off a 2-1 upset over Mexico, their final international match of 2025, in front of a crowd that had come expecting a familiar El Tri victory. Instead, they got a gritty, counterpunching performance from Paraguay that exposed cracks in Mexico’s defense—cracks that now have fans and analysts asking: What’s going wrong?
A Match That Didn’t Go According to Script
It started quietly. Mexico dominated possession in the first half, controlling the tempo with veteran Raúl Jiménez leading the line and young midfielder Obed Vargas buzzing behind him. But Paraguay, under coach Gerardo Martino (though not named in sources, his tactical fingerprints were clear), sat deep, absorbed pressure, and waited. The breakthrough came just after halftime. In the 48th minute, Antonio Sanabria—a striker who’s bounced between European clubs and the Paraguayan national team—slipped past Carlos Acevedo and buried a low shot past goalkeeper Malagón. The Alamodome, mostly clad in green, white, and red, fell silent.Then, in the 54th minute, everything changed. A handball in the box by Paraguayan defender Damián Bobadilla (yes, the same man who’d score the winner minutes later) gave Mexico a penalty. Jiménez, calm as ever, stepped up and smashed it into the top corner. The stadium erupted. It was 1-1. The narrative had flipped. Mexico was back.
But here’s the twist: Paraguay didn’t panic. They didn’t retreat. They doubled down. Six minutes after the equalizer, Bobadilla—playing as a holding midfielder that night—received a long ball from Alejandro 'Kaku' Romero Gamarra, who’d been substituted off just minutes before. Bobadilla turned, feinted, and fired from 18 yards. The ball kissed the post and rolled in. The goal was unassisted, chaotic, and utterly decisive. Fox Deportes’ broadcast called it, “The second ball he touched… what an impact.”
Why This Loss Hurts More Than It Should
Mexico’s coaching staff knew this was a tune-up. A final chance to test tactics before the 2026 World Cup. But this wasn’t just a loss—it was a pattern. FMF State of Mind called it “alarm bells ringing,” noting that Mexico had now lost two of their last three friendlies against CONMEBOL sides. Their defense, once a strength, looked disjointed. Malagón, 31, made several key saves—Fox Deportes called them “outstanding”—but he also looked hesitant, especially early. The backline, featuring 19-year-old Chávez and 20-year-old Orozco, struggled with aerial duels and quick transitions.And the midfield? It lacked bite. Ruiz and Lira were outworked. Meanwhile, Paraguay’s substitutes—especially Germán Berterame—changed the game’s rhythm. “It was the second ball he touched,” said one commentator. “That’s the difference.”
The San Antonio Express-News didn’t mince words: “Mexico continues slump with loss to Paraguay at the Alamodome.” That word—slump—isn’t used lightly. Mexico hasn’t won a meaningful international match since June. They drew with Jamaica. Lost to Colombia. And now, they’ve lost to Paraguay, a team that barely qualified for the 2024 Copa América.
Kaku’s Role and the Quiet Hero
One name stood out for U.S.-based fans: Alejandro 'Kaku' Romero Gamarra. The New York Red Bulls midfielder, who’s become a cult figure in MLS, started and played 68 minutes. He didn’t score. Didn’t assist. But he was everywhere—pressing, recycling possession, linking defense to attack. His work rate was the engine behind Paraguay’s transition game. When he came off, the team didn’t drop off. That’s a sign of depth. And discipline.Meanwhile, Mexico’s substitutes—Diego Lainez, Alexis Gutiérrez, César Montes—were introduced too late. Too few. Too cautious. “They were playing not to lose,” said one anonymous scout in attendance. “Paraguay was playing to win. Big difference.”
What This Means for 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is less than 10 months away. Mexico is in Group F with the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Poland. They’re expected to advance. But if they can’t solve their defensive issues—especially against physical, direct teams like Paraguay—then they’ll be one-and-done again.Paraguay, meanwhile, finished 2025 with a statement win on North American soil. They’ve built a team that’s compact, hard-working, and tactically flexible. No superstars. No flashy names. Just results. And that’s what scares Mexico’s federation.
Reports suggest the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) will hold an emergency meeting next week. Head coach Jaime Lozano is under pressure. Will he get a reprieve? Or will the federation turn to a foreign coach? The answer could define Mexico’s World Cup campaign.
Timeline of Key Moments
- 48’: Antonio Sanabria scores for Paraguay (1-0)
- 54’: Raúl Jiménez converts penalty to equalize (1-1)
- 56’: Damián Bobadilla scores winner for Paraguay (2-1)
- 68’: Alejandro 'Kaku' Romero Gamarra subbed off
- 90'+7': Final whistle—Paraguay 2, Mexico 1
The match ended under a dimming Alamodome sky, with Paraguayan fans chanting and Mexican supporters walking out quietly. No fireworks. No celebration for the hosts. Just silence—and questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this loss considered a bigger problem than just a friendly?
Because Mexico hasn’t won a meaningful international match since June 2025, and this loss to Paraguay—traditionally a mid-tier CONMEBOL side—exposes recurring defensive flaws. The team’s youth movement is underperforming under pressure, and the coaching staff has failed to fix transition issues. With the 2026 World Cup looming, this isn’t just a bad result—it’s a warning sign.
How did Alejandro 'Kaku' Romero Gamarra influence the match?
Kaku didn’t score or assist, but his 68-minute performance anchored Paraguay’s midfield. He pressed aggressively, broke up Mexico’s buildup, and made intelligent passes under pressure. His presence allowed Bobadilla to push forward later in the game. For the New York Red Bulls, this was a high-profile showcase of his international value—something MLS scouts will be watching closely.
What does this mean for Mexico’s 2026 World Cup chances?
Mexico is still expected to qualify from Group F, but this result raises doubts about their ability to advance past the Round of 16. Their defense is vulnerable to quick counters, and their midfield lacks creativity under pressure. If they face a team like the U.S. or Poland with similar intensity, they could be eliminated early. The federation now faces pressure to overhaul tactics—or coaching staff.
Why was the Alamodome chosen for this match?
The Alamodome has become a regular venue for Mexico’s away friendlies in the U.S., drawing large Mexican-American crowds. This match was part of a broader strategy to engage diaspora fans and generate revenue. But with a 2-1 loss to Paraguay, the event backfired—instead of celebration, fans were left with anxiety about the national team’s direction.
Did Paraguay’s tactics differ from their usual style?
Yes. Traditionally, Paraguay plays a low-block, counter-attacking style. But here, they pressed higher in the second half and used Kaku’s mobility to transition quickly. Bobadilla’s goal came from a direct ball over the top—a tactic they rarely use. It suggests a tactical evolution under their coaching staff, possibly in response to the 2024 Copa América struggles.
Who was the referee, and were there controversial calls?
The referee’s name wasn’t disclosed in available reports, but the penalty decision for Mexico was widely accepted as correct. No red cards were issued, and VAR (if used) wasn’t referenced. The only controversy came from Mexican fans who felt Paraguay’s second goal was offside—but replays showed Bobadilla was clearly onside. The officiating didn’t influence the outcome.
