Asuncion: Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro said Friday that upcoming friendlies in North America would help his team sharpen their preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup. Paraguay will meet the United States in the greater Philadelphia area on Saturday before facing Mexico in Torreon on Tuesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Alfaro emphasized the importance of these matches, noting that both teams are formidable opponents and are performing well. "They are above our level and give me the chance to try a few things out," Alfaro told reporters. He stated that the purpose of these warm-up matches is to focus on the finer details, though he believes the team's real progress will be evident at the World Cup.

Alfaro highlighted that the United States' MLS-based players are on a "similar physical level" to their European counterparts, describing the league as tough and continuously improving. Paraguay has not participated in the World Cup finals since 2010 in South Africa, where the team reached the quarterfinals for the first time. Paraguay has secured a place at next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada by finishing sixth in the 10-team South American qualifying group.