Chilavert recalls 1998 heartbreak as Paraguay brace for Africa test: “Now we face an African nation”

Paraguayan football legend José Luis Chilavert has evoked memories of one of the most painful nights in his country’s World Cup history as he looked ahead to Paraguay’s round-of-32 clash against an African opponent at the 2026 tournament.

The iconic former goalkeeper, renowned for his thunderous free-kicks and larger-than-life persona, drew a parallel between that fateful encounter 28 years ago and the challenge that awaits his nation in the current edition.

“Back in the 1998 World Cup, we faced the French national team,” Chilavert said in a media interview. “Now Paraguay will face the African national team in this World Cup.”

The 1998 ghost

For those who remember, the 1998 round of 16 in Lens remains etched in Paraguayan football folklore – for all the wrong reasons. Paraguay, then coached by Paulo César Carpegiani, produced a defensive masterclass to hold the eventual champions France to a goalless stalemate deep into extra time. With golden-goal rules in effect, Laurent Blanc scored the only goal in the 114th minute, a sweeping finish that ended Paraguay’s dream run and sent the South Americans crashing out.

Chilavert, who was between the posts that day, has often spoken of the agony of that defeat. “We were seconds away from penalties. We had them,” he reflected. “That goal still hurts. It was the best Paraguay team I ever played with – but football is cruel.”

A new chapter, a new continent

Fast-forward to 2026, and Paraguay have navigated a competitive group stage to set up a knockout meeting with an African side – one of the two survivors from CAF, Cape Verde or DR Congo, depending on the final bracket. While Chilavert did not specify which opponent, his comments carry a clear subtext: this is a chance to rewrite history against a different footballing culture, but with the same high stakes.

The 61-year-old, now a respected pundit, has been vocal about Paraguay’s current generation. “This team has grit. They are not the most technically gifted, but they fight. That is the Paraguayan way,” he said. “We respect Africa. Their football is physical, fast, and unpredictable. But we are not afraid.”

Chilavert’s legacy

Chilavert remains one of South America’s most colourful football figures. With 74 caps for Paraguay, he scored eight international goals – a remarkable tally for a goalkeeper – and was a key figure in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. His presence in the 1998 squad was legendary; he even took Paraguay’s free-kicks and penalties, a rarity at the highest level.

His remarks have ignited debate among Paraguayan fans, many of whom view the 1998 defeat as a “what-if” moment that could have changed the nation’s football trajectory. Now, with a new generation led by coach Daniel Garnero, Paraguay see the African challenge as both a hurdle and an opportunity to exorcise old demons.

No room for complacency

Chilavert was quick to caution against overconfidence. “Africa is no longer a surprise. They have shown at this World Cup that they can compete. Cape Verde and Congo have beaten big teams. We must prepare like it is a final.”

He also drew a contrast between France 1998 and the present. “Back then, France had Zidane, Deschamps, Thuram – world-class players. Now we face a team that may not have that star power, but they have unity and belief. That is dangerous.”

What lies ahead

Paraguay’s knockout tie is scheduled for later this week, with the winner advancing to the round of 16 (or the equivalent stage in the 48-team format). For Chilavert, the match carries personal significance. “I will be watching from the stands. I want to see this team do what we could not. If they win, it will heal a part of my heart.”

Whether Paraguay can turn the page on 1998 and claim a victory over African opposition remains to be seen. But with Chilavert’s words echoing in the dressing room, the motivation is clear: history is there to be rewritten.