AGP Executive Report

World Cup Captaincy: Tim Ream was named captain of the US men’s national team for the 2026 World Cup, with the opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Injury Watch (USMNT): Center back Chris Richards will miss the friendly vs Senegal in Charlotte as he rehabs an ankle injury, leaving his World Cup status uncertain. Group D Context: Paraguay’s place in Group D is front and center as the US prepares for tune-ups against Senegal and Germany ahead of the Paraguay opener. Paraguay in Tennis: Paraguayan player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was fined after sexist remarks about French Open chair umpire Ana Carvalho, then apologized. Local Sports Spotlight: Moise Kouame’s French Open run included a win over Vallejo, pushing the 17-year-old into the third round. Regional Security: INTERPOL-backed operation Orca XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across the Americas. Paraguay Economy: DNIT projects about 8% tax revenue growth in the second half of 2026, driven mainly by stronger domestic collections. Urban Life: Asunción’s traffic crisis worsens as daily commuters and visitors swell the city’s population far beyond residents.

World Cup Build-Up: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11, the USMNT’s warm-up friendlies (Senegal May 31, Germany June 6) lead into its Group D opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Paraguay in the Spotlight: Paraguay’s place in the tournament is already driving fan events, including free watch parties for the USA vs Paraguay match in Prince George’s County (June 12) and Wyomissing (June 12). DNIT Watch: Paraguay’s tax authority projects about 8% tax revenue growth in the second half of 2026, citing improved domestic collections and recovery after a slower start to the year. Cycling & Tourism: Paraguay will host L’Étape Encarnación by Tour de France on May 31, aiming to draw regional riders and boost interest in international cycling. Asunción Traffic Strain: Asunción’s daily inflow of commuters and visitors is overwhelming the city, with traffic and infrastructure pressure growing as the population nearly triples each morning. Sports Culture Moment: 17-year-old Moïse Kouame’s French Open run continues after a five-set win over Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, who now faces a sanction for sexist remarks about a female umpire.

World Cup Group D: Australia confirmed Cristian Volpato has switched allegiance from Italy to the Socceroos, clearing the way for him to join their Los Angeles camp; he’ll be eligible once FIFA approves, and Australia’s opener is against Turkey with the U.S. and Paraguay next. Paraguay in global sport: Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was fined by the French Tennis Federation after remarks suggesting women lack the “courage” to umpire rowdy crowds during his French Open match. US–Paraguay match buzz: Ticketing data shows thousands of seats still available for the U.S. vs Paraguay opener at SoFi Stadium, with more than 3,500 tickets listed on FIFA’s primary portal and thousands more on resale. Immigration spotlight: ICE temporarily released Jose Yugar-Cruz, a man facing deportation to Congo amid an Ebola outbreak, after a judge cleared the way for deportation earlier this week. Culture & identity: A new Civis campaign, “Paraguay, the Heart of South America,” promotes the country’s landscapes, cities, sports and heritage through a fresh audiovisual push.

Infrastructure Watch: Paraguay’s Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in the final stretch on the Paraguay–Brazil border, with just 21 metres left to finish the Bioceanic Bridge linking Carmelo Peralta (Alto Paraguay) to Puerto Murtinho (Mato Grosso do Sul), a key Atlantic-to-Pacific logistics route that could cut export times to Asia by 10–15 days. World Cup Focus: Paraguay’s Group D rivals are shaping up—Australia has added Italy U21 forward Cristian Volpato after he switched eligibility, while the U.S. has named its 26-man World Cup squad led by Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, with coach Mauricio Pochettino insisting Pulisic “is going to score” despite a long drought. Sports & Culture: Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was involved in a French Open controversy as Moise Kouame advanced in a five-set thriller, and the Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra’s story heads to U.S. stages with Gloria Estefan’s musical “Basura.” Regional Politics: Japan’s ruling party is urging caution over starting Mercosur talks, warning about potential cheap livestock imports.

World Cup build-up (Paraguay vs USA): The U.S. has named its 26-man World Cup roster, with goalkeeper Matt Freese tipped by former keeper Tony Meola to start ahead of Matt Turner, as the Americans open against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium. Local sports (Paraguayan club): Recoleta made Sudamericana history, finishing unbeaten and first in its group to reach the Round of 16 after a 1-0 away win over San Lorenzo. Economy (cost of capital): A new Paraguay reform push focuses on lowering the cost of capital, aiming to turn solid macro stability into cheaper financing for companies. Aviation policy: Paraguay scrapped a 6% airline ticket tax to boost the aviation sector and attract more international routes. Culture (music export): Gloria Estefan’s musical “Basura,” based on Asunción’s Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra, heads to Atlanta for a U.S. premiere. Civic education: Asunción announced free public astronomy events at the River Ecological Park on May 29 (school-focused) and May 30 (general public).

Aviation Policy Shift: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña signed a law scrapping the 6% airline ticket tax, aiming to cut costs for carriers and boost growth in the aviation sector. Science for Everyone: Asunción will host two free public astronomy nights at the River Ecological Park—first on May 29 for schools, then May 30 (18:00–20:00) for the general public, with telescope viewing and 360° dome shows. Culture Spotlight: Paraguay marks 28 May as the Day of the Ceramist, honoring living pottery traditions rooted in Guaraní and mestizo heritage, especially in Itá and Tobatí. Football on the Rise: Recoleta made a historic Sudamericana run, finishing top of their group unbeaten and advancing to the round of 16 after an away win over San Lorenzo. Reading Season: Asunción’s International Book Fair (FIL) runs May 28–June 7 at the Centro de Convenciones Mariscal, with 60+ exhibitors and 120 stands. World Cup Context: FIFA’s expanded 48-team World Cup format is set to kick off June 11, with USA’s opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

World Cup Schedule: FIFA confirmed the 2026 World Cup runs June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with the U.S. opening Group D at 9 p.m. June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles. USMNT Roster & Paraguay Matchup: The U.S. squad is set for the home tournament, and Paraguay is the first test as fans gear up for watch parties and big-screen events tied to the opener. Local Watch Parties in New York: New York State announced a free World Cup Watch Experience at Stony Brook on June 12, featuring live music by Third Eye Blind ahead of USA vs. Paraguay. Security Spending: The U.S. government says it is investing hundreds of millions in World Cup security and monitoring to keep matches and fan events safe. FIFA Ticket Probe: New York and New Jersey attorneys-general opened investigations into FIFA over soaring ticket prices and claims about seat-location changes after sales.

USMNT World Cup Roster: Mauricio Pochettino has named the U.S. 26-man squad for the 2026 home World Cup, keeping faith in stars like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie—and taking a notable risk by including Gio Reyna despite limited club minutes. The big talking point is how the cuts were handled: midfielders Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were left out, and Pochettino’s email/WhatsApp-style communication sparked backlash. Paraguay in the Spotlight: Paraguay’s World Cup opener is set for June 12 against the U.S. in Los Angeles, and the week also brought fresh Paraguay coverage from business to tech. Mercosur Business: Paraguay will host a major Mercosur business leaders meeting in Asunción on May 28, aiming to push regional trade and a common private-sector agenda. Digital Paraguay: New data shows 85.4% of Paraguayans aged 10+ used the internet in 2025. Energy Shift: Paraguay launched its first large-scale solar tender, a 140 MW project supported by the World Bank.

USMNT World Cup roster locked: Mauricio Pochettino named the U.S. 26-man squad for the 2026 home World Cup, led by Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, with 13 returning from 2022 and 13 debutants. Big calls and absences: Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas made the cut, while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were left out—Tessmann’s late fitness concerns after a Lyon muscle strain became a key storyline. Injury watch: Defender Chris Richards is back in training at Crystal Palace but his ankle status for the Conference League final is still a “final decision” on Wednesday, raising questions for his World Cup readiness. What’s next for the U.S.: The Americans open Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, then face Australia (June 19) and Türkiye (June 25).

World Cup Logistics: FIFA has confirmed the full 48-team base-camp map for the June 11-July 19 tournament, with 39 camps in the U.S., seven in Mexico, and two in Canada—teams will train and recover far beyond the 16 host cities. U.S. Soccer Focus: The U.S. men’s team is using Orange County Great Park’s nearby Championship Soccer Stadium area as a main training base, while FIFA’s camp list places Argentina and England in Kansas City. Socceroos Shock: Australia’s key attacker Riley McGree has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, a major blow for Group D rivals that also includes the U.S. and Paraguay. Paraguay Watch: Paraguay’s World Cup group opponents are set, and the tournament schedule locks in the U.S.-Paraguay opener at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 12. Regional Security: In the Americas, a major operation seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across 20 countries. Public Health: A Lancet/PAHO report flags Guyana’s youth suicide rate as the highest in the hemisphere, driven by pesticide poisoning.

World Cup Roster Shock: U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to leave Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo off the 2026 World Cup roster, a move that has Salt Lake staff scrambling as the tournament clock keeps ticking. Injury Blow for Australia: Australia’s Riley McGree has been confirmed out of the World Cup after an injury suffered in the playoff final, joining other Socceroos absences. Group D Focus: With the U.S. set to open against Paraguay on June 12, Group D is shaping up as a tight, unpredictable fight—home pressure on the Americans, and Paraguay expected to play compact and counter. Paraguay Off the Pitch: Paraguay’s measles drive hit 89% coverage, with 420,646 children vaccinated as the campaign runs through May 29. Mercosur Politics: Brazil proposed a regional pact against femicide in Mercosur, with cooperation and justice access on the agenda.

Animal Welfare Push: Asunción’s big pet-friendly charity race, Huellitas Run, returns May 31 at the Botanic Gardens to raise funds for Huellitas Paraguay’s first permanent shelter, with categories for kids, families, runners (with or without dogs), and even dogs with disabilities. Public Health: Paraguay’s measles drive hit 89% coverage after National Vaccination Day, with 420,646 children vaccinated and the campaign running through May 29 to protect kids aged 1–5. Crime & Justice: Paraguay’s Prosecutor’s Office has indicted Gianina García Troche in a case mapping Marset’s cocaine route from Bolivia to European ports, describing a three-part network and thousands of clandestine flights. Sports Spotlight: Cruz Azul won Mexico’s Clausura title 2-1 over Pumas on a stoppage-time goal, while Paraguay’s Robert Morales scored early in the match. World Cup Build-Up: Group D is shaping up as a tight, discipline-driven fight with the U.S., Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye all eyeing the knockout stage.

Trade Outlook: Paraguay’s export push is being framed as resilient despite Middle East shocks, with officials pointing to 2025’s record $84.48B in merchandise exports and strong early-2026 momentum. Sports Spotlight: Paraguay’s Claudia “Claudinha” Martínez helped Washington Spirit reach the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup final, then watched them fall to Club América 5-3. Anti-Doping Move: Paraguay has officially created its National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD-PY) to align with WADA rules on education, prevention, control, and enforcement. Culture & Community: Ceramist Day runs 24–31 May with workshops and a big fair in Areguá on 30–31 May. Global Football Buzz: The U.S. World Cup roster is reportedly leaked ahead of its official reveal, while Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten is named for the U.S. squad—Paraguay opens Group D against the U.S. on June 12.

Hawaii Corruption Probe: Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green’s office says it’s aware of a second cabinet-level departure tied to a criminal investigation into alleged COVID-era public corruption, after Ryan Yamane stepped down following questioning over testing-contract allegations; officials insist Green isn’t involved. World Cup Security: U.S. officials are scrambling to prepare for possible drone threats at World Cup venues as new rules are still being written and equipment shortages plus a Homeland Security shutdown have slowed readiness. USMNT Roster Drama: The U.S. squad for the 2026 World Cup is reportedly leaked ahead of Tuesday’s official reveal, with big names like Gio Reyna in and Tanner Tessmann out—while injuries keep reshaping the picture. Paraguay in Group D: Paraguay is set to open against the U.S. in Los Angeles on June 12, with the tournament’s full schedule and groups already circulating. Local Spotlight: Asunción’s real estate approvals are surging, with new construction hubs emerging along major corridors.

USMNT World Cup Roster Frenzy: Mauricio Pochettino is set to unveil the final 26-man US squad on May 26 in New York, but reports say the list has already leaked—Gio Reyna included, Diego Luna left out—while injuries and last-minute calls keep the drama high. World Cup Cost + Carbon Backlash: Environmental experts warn the expanded 48-team tournament could become the most-polluting sporting event on record, even as FIFA’s cash push collides with growing ticket-price outrage. Paraguay Football Focus: With Paraguay and the US drawn into the same Group D, attention is also on Paraguay winger Gustavo Caballero’s World Cup build-up after deal delays with Portsmouth. Paraguay Economy Watch: Paraguay’s digital payments jumped 24% in early 2026, and Asunción’s real estate approvals are hitting historic levels—signs of momentum beyond the pitch.

Peace Corps Arrival: Charles Waid, an economics graduate, has been accepted into the Peace Corps and will head to Paraguay on Sunday to train as a community economic development promoter. Real Estate Boom in Asunción: The municipality reports a sustained construction surge, with record income from building-plan approvals and new development hubs spreading along major corridors like Santa Teresa, Aviadores del Chaco and Molas López. Digital Payments Lift: Paraguay saw a 24% jump in digital payment use in the first four months of 2026, led by debit card spending (+32%), signaling more purchases paid from available funds. Historic Industry Push: Construction has begun on Paraguay’s first pulp mill in Concepción, backed by over US$1.5 billion—described as the country’s largest private investment. World Cup Focus: Paraguay winger Gustavo Caballero’s club talks are on hold as he joins the national team ahead of the June 13 opener vs the USA.