Gustavo Gómez hails Paraguay’s Copa spot, looks ahead to Palmeiras’ run | OneFootball

The defender Gustavo Gómez, captain of Palmeiras, is back to training with Verdão after representing Paraguay in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. He commented on the Paraguayan national team’s qualification for the World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“The whole country was happy with the qualification after almost 16 years. I think it’s even sweeter to qualify after so much struggle, after not giving up. I just have to thank Palmeiras as well, because here I learned that: not to give up and to always fight until the end. I have this winning mentality. I am very grateful to Palmeiras because they provide me with everything, with top-notch facilities so I can always give my best in every training session and every game,” the defender told TV Palmeiras.

The Paraguayan national team finished the Qualifiers in sixth place, securing a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup after 16 years. The playoffs, which will determine the last South American spot, will begin in March 2026, with six teams competing, including Bolivia – representing South America.

The Verdão captain also highlighted the importance of the FIFA international break, both for those who stayed in São Paulo and for those who joined their national teams, like Flaco López, who was called up for the first time.

“It’s good for the coach and his staff to be able to work, try to correct mistakes, and keep building on the good things, strengthening the team. That’s very important, and also having players in the national teams, because it shows that the work we’re doing here at Palmeiras is being valued. Now we have a series of tough matches ahead, but we’re prepared, we work for this. Tomorrow we already have a game here at home and we’re going to fight for three more points to stay close to the top,” he added.

Palmeiras currently occupies third place in the Brazilian Championship, with 43 points, four behind leaders Flamengo, and is trying to maintain its unbeaten streak of nine matches. The next challenge is against Internacional, this Saturday (13th), at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque.

“The opponent is tough, they have very good players, but the teammates who stayed here during the FIFA break worked hard to prepare for this match. We also arrived and quickly adapted to the training and the work the coach was doing. I think tomorrow will be a good day to play a great game and add three more points at home, which is super important in the Brazilian Championship,” concluded Gustavo Gómez.

Palmeiras is looking to stay strong in the Brasileirão before facing River Plate in the Libertadores. Meanwhile, Internacional, Saturday’s opponent, is trying to recover in the national league, currently sitting in 10th place with 27 points, closer to the relegation zone than to the G6.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.