Colombia 0-1 Paraguay: What Happened in New Jersey Friendly

What was Colombia vs. Paraguay?

It was an international friendly in men's football, played on Oct. 2, 2026 ¹. A friendly is a non-tournament game. Teams often use it to test players and tactics after a major competition.

The match brought together the national teams of Colombia and Paraguay. As of Oct. 3, 2026, the two countries also have a wider relationship as members of several regional and global groups, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Organization of American States and the United Nations ⁴.

This game was not a World Cup or qualifying match. Sources described both teams as having reached the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, and this meeting came shortly after that tournament ¹.

Why are people talking about it?

Search interest rose to about 1,000 recent searches or views, with headlines about livestreams, live scores and highlights. That pattern is common for a game involving two well-supported national teams played in the United States.

Many fans wanted to know how to watch for free. One guide said the game was available to live stream for free on Caracol TV ¹. Caracol TV is a Colombian broadcaster. Its stream is limited to Colombia by location, which is why some guides discussed virtual private networks, or VPNs ¹. A VPN is a tool that can change a device's apparent online location.

After the final whistle, interest shifted to the result and goals. Reports headlined the score as Colombia 0-1 Paraguay and pointed readers to highlights ²³.

What happened in the match?

Paraguay won 1-0 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey ³. The only goal was scored by Hugo Benitez ². Paraguay took the lead in the second half and then held on through the final minutes despite pressure from Colombia ².

One report said the goal followed a mistake by Jhon Lucumi, which allowed Hugo Cuenca to win the ball and set up Benitez inside the box ³. Colombia had more of the ball for long periods and pushed forward for an equalizer, but Paraguay stayed organized in defense ³.

Late in the game, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made an important save on a backheel effort from Luis Suarez ³. Colombia made attacking changes, including bringing on Camilo Duran for Jhon Arias, but could not score ³. Paraguay's Gustavo Gomez was shown a yellow card for a foul on Jaminton Campaz during added time ³. Three minutes of stoppage time were added at the end ³. Stoppage time is extra minutes added to make up for pauses in play.

• Final score: Colombia 0-1 Paraguay ²
• Scorer: Hugo Benitez for Paraguay ³
• Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey ³

What does this result mean for an ordinary reader?

For most readers, it means very little for daily life. A friendly does not award a trophy and does not decide World Cup qualification. It is mainly a test and a chance for fans to see their team.

For fans, the takeaway is simple. Paraguay showed strong defense and took its chance well, while Colombia controlled possession but could not finish ³. One game does not define either team, especially so soon after a World Cup.

If you missed it, you do not need to search for unofficial streams now. The safest path is to look for official highlights from the broadcaster or the national teams, and to use only legal streaming services in your country.

How can I follow future games safely?

Start with official sources. Check the team federations, the competition organizer, or a known broadcaster such as Caracol TV for Colombia games ¹. Listings will tell you the kickoff time, channel and whether a free stream is available in your area.

Be careful with free livestream offers. Some sites may ask for payment details, install software, or show misleading pop-ups. Use official apps and websites, keep your device updated, and do not share personal information to watch a game.

If a stream is limited to another country, it may not be available where you live ¹. A VPN is sometimes advertised as a workaround, but access rules vary and paid VPNs also cost money. For older readers or anyone unsure, asking a family member or watching highlights later is often easier and safer.

• Check kickoff time in your local time zone before you tune in
• Use official broadcasters and team channels for scores and highlights
• Ask a trusted person for help rather than clicking unknown links