Paraguay prepares to shine as the World Football Capital ahead of the 2025 FIFA Congress

Football fervor is heating up in Paraguay ahead of the imminent celebration of the 75th FIFA Congress, a globally significant event that will make the country the epicenter of world football from May 12 to 15, 2025. This was enthusiastically affirmed by Tourism Minister Angie Duarte, highlighting the historic opportunity for "football to take center stage in the eyes of the world. In South America. In Paraguay. In CONMEBOL. The World Capital of Football."

Minister Duarte emphasized Paraguay's consolidation as a "Center for International and Sports Events," highlighting the country's capacity to host events of this magnitude. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend, including representatives from FIFA-affiliated Confederations and Federations, in addition to 400 professionals dedicated to organizing the congress.

The expected economic impact is significant, exceeding USD 25 million, with direct and indirect benefits for various key sectors such as hospitality, gastronomy, transportation, tourism, and commerce in general. This economic influx will boost the local economy and strengthen Paraguay's image as an attractive destination for large-scale events.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the positive impact of the infrastructure projects promoted by CONMEBOL, which are creating thousands of jobs in the country.

Currently, more than 70% of the construction sector's workforce is involved in these projects, demonstrating the Confederation's commitment to Paraguay's socioeconomic development.

For the National Tourism Secretariat, the work being carried out within the framework of the Strategic Plan for Meetings Tourism and in partnership with the Convention Bureaus of Asunción, Itapúa, and Ciudad del Este & Region is a significant challenge. Each of these bureaus aims to position its destination, acting proactively to attract international conferences to our country.

Communication that positions Paraguay in the world, through teamwork

For her part, MITIC's Vice Minister of Communication, Alejandra Duarte Albospino, emphasized the importance of teamwork among all state institutions for the successful congress. "The importance of teamwork among all state institutions is key. In terms of communications, MITIC's leadership, along with SENATUR, DINAC, the Presidency of the Republic, Rediex for the Country Brand, Immigration, and many other institutions, is working tirelessly," she stated.

The Vice Minister emphasized that this event represents an "excellent opportunity to strengthen our country brand with the message 'Energy that Connects.'" Visitors will experience this Paraguayan energy upon arrival at the airport, adorned with the national colors, thanks to the Senatur Good Host program. This festive atmosphere will be further enhanced by the celebration of Paraguay's 214th anniversary of independence.

Duarte Albospino proudly stated that Paraguay is a "super football-loving" country, where football is the "most important" sport, followed by rallying, which will also have a prominent presence with the WRC in August. "We have a lot to show, a lot to tell the world, and, above all, we want them to get to know not only the red earth that ultimately won the WRC's love for our country, but also the gastronomy, the young people, our culture, and, above all, the warmth of the Paraguayan people," he enthused.

President Peña Nieto inaugurated a new modern hotel tower

This atmosphere of optimism and preparation was reinforced with the recent inauguration of the new tower of the Gran Bourbon Hotel in Luque. The President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, along with CONMEBOL officials, participated in this event, which marks a milestone in the country's hotel infrastructure. The new tower stands as an "icon of luxury, comfort, and first-class service," as highlighted by the Presidency, and will play a fundamental role in welcoming the thousands of visitors who will arrive for the 2025 FIFA Congress.

The combination of Paraguay's passion for football, its strategic location as the host of CONMEBOL, investment in infrastructure, and the coordinated efforts of government institutions promise a successful FIFA 2025 Congress. Paraguay is preparing to welcome the world of football with its characteristic warmth and demonstrate its capacity to host world-class events, leaving an indelible mark on the history of sport and tourism in the country.

Source: SENATUR