Paraguayan beauty returns to World Cup after 16 years

Larissa Riquelme, Paraguayan beauty who became a global phenomenon at the 2010 World Cup, will attend the finals in person for the first time, following her home team to the 2026 tournament.

The 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone for Larissa Riquelme and the Paraguay national team. After a 16-year absence, Paraguay returns to the global stage, and Riquelme, now 40, will experience the tournament live for the first time.

Riquelme plans to closely follow the Paraguay national team during the 2026 World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Her involvement extends beyond being a fan; she will also serve as a journalist, covering her home team's campaign.

Paraguay has a rich World Cup history, participating eight times since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Their most notable performance was reaching the quarterfinals in 2010. For their ninth appearance in 2026, Paraguay has been drawn into Group D alongside co-hosts the United States, Australia, and Turkey.

Paraguayan model Larissa Riquelme shows emotion during a public viewing of the World Cup match between Paraguay and Japan, held in the center of the capital Asuncion on 29/6/2010. *Photo: Reuters*

Born on 22/2/1985, Riquelme established herself as one of Paraguay's highest-earning models before achieving global recognition during the 2010 World Cup.

Contrary to popular belief, Riquelme did not attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The iconic images that propelled her to global fame were captured in a square in Asuncion, the capital, where she cheered for the Paraguay team on a large screen during a phone company's promotional event.

Larissa holds up a *Playboy* magazine while posing for cameras during the launch of her photo spread in *Playboy Mexico* in Mexico City on 12/5/2011. *Photo: Reuters*

During a match between Paraguay and Slovakia, Riquelme was seen celebrating a goal with a Nokia phone tucked into her cleavage while wearing a Paraguay flag shirt. This image quickly went viral across international media, making her a global sensation.

Spanish sports media, notably *Marca* newspaper, coined the term "World Cup Girlfriend" for Riquelme. This nickname quickly gained global traction, solidifying her status as one of the tournament's most recognized fans.

After becoming one of the most searched individuals online, Riquelme continued to capture headlines with bold statements. Following Diego Maradona's pledge to run naked if Argentina won the World Cup, Riquelme promised to do the same (body-painted with the Paraguayan flag) in Asuncion if Paraguay won or reached the semifinals. Despite Paraguay not achieving this, she honored her word.

In 2010, Riquelme further solidified her global fame by posing for a nude photoshoot featured in the September issue of *Playboy Brazil*.

Beyond her modeling and acting career, Riquelme participated in "Bailando por un Sueño," Argentina's version of "Dancing with the Stars." She also completed a three-year media training program and now works as a football commentator.

Larissa Riquelme appears on Paraguay's renowned news and sports radio station, La Tribu 650 AM. *Photo: Instagram / larissariquelme*

Sixteen years later, Riquelme's life remains deeply connected to football, evolving from a dedicated fan to a commentator. She made her television debut last year during a match between Paraguay and Peru in Lima.

Reflecting on this experience on social media, Riquelme expressed deep emotion for the outpouring of fan support: "Yesterday, I lived one of those moments that will be forever etched in my soul. As I left the stadium, I saw so many people waiting... amidst hugs, smiles, and even tears. That genuine affection is the greatest gift I brought back from Lima and Peru." She added, "No words can fully express my feelings, only infinite gratitude. I will always carry everyone in my heart."

Hong Duy (according to Abola, AS)

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/nguoi-dep-paraguay-tro-lai-world-cup-sau-16-nam-5083021.html