“I feel confident” – Defender points to strong Sunderland season as World Cup boost

Sunderland defender Omar Alderete says Paraguay have to believe in themselves at the World Cup, with the centre-back arriving for international duty after what he described as a strong season in England.

Alderete has now linked up with Paraguay ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after landing in the country, the Sunderland player admitted there is already plenty of anxiety and excitement around the national team.

According to him, the feeling is exactly the same inside and outside the squad.

“I finished a good season with my club, and that is important because it gives me confidence for what is coming,” Alderete said to Versus Paraguay.

“We are all feeling the same. Us on the pitch and the people outside it too. Everyone is anxious and waiting for the World Cup to arrive.”

The defender also looked back on Paraguay’s improvement during qualification. Alderete feels the group regained confidence as the campaign progressed and showed that recovery on the pitch.

“I think we have a good team and a good group. The team recovered and showed that during the qualifiers. I think that was the important part of what we achieved in the qualifiers,” he explained.

Sunderland form boosting confidence

The Sunderland defender also spoke about his own level after a season that brought huge praise back home in Paraguay. It even earned speculation of a possible exit to “another club of greater renown”.

His performances against Manchester City and Liverpool especially attracted attention in South America.

After the City game, Paraguayan journalists claimed Alderete had “put Erling Haaland in his pocket”. Meanwhile, his cameos up front at Anfield triggered comparisons with Hugo Sánchez.

When asked if this is the best period of his career, Alderete replied: “I think so. Everyone values that in their own way, but I feel good and confident for what is coming.”

Alderete also made it clear that Paraguay cannot head into the tournament without ambition. The Sunderland centre-back insisted the squad must dream big if they want to compete properly on the biggest stage.

“I think if we do not dream ourselves and do not believe in ourselves, then we have nothing to do at the World Cup. We have to dream and start from there,” Alderete said.