Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC's key midfielder, Andrés Cubas, has been called up to the Paraguay men's national football team for the June international break. As a Designated Player for the team, Cubas is expected to make significant contributions to his country's 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup South American Qualifiers campaign.
Paraguay faces two crucial matches during this international window. The first match is on Thursday, June 5 (local time), as they host Uruguay at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay. This game is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 AM KST on Friday, June 6. Following this, on Tuesday, June 10 (local time), they will travel to Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, to face Brazil. This match will begin at 9:45 AM KST on Wednesday, June 11.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers are currently in their final stages, and Paraguay is in 5th place with a record of 5 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws (21 points). With four remaining matches, they are aiming for their first World Cup qualification since 2010, making Andrés Cubas's performance crucial for the team. Currently, the top six teams in the South American qualifiers directly advance to the main tournament, while the 7th-place team proceeds to the inter-confederation playoffs. Paraguay is in a fierce battle for direct qualification and desperately needs to secure points against Uruguay and Brazil.
Andrés Cubas's call-up to the national team is disappointing news for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Cubas is set to miss the MLS regular season home match against Seattle Sounders FC, scheduled for Sunday, June 8 (local time). This will create a significant void in the Whitecaps' midfield, and the team will need to consider how to fill Cubas's absence. From the Whitecaps' perspective, the national team call-up of a key player during the MLS season inevitably impacts team operations.
Born in Argentina, Andrés Cubas has played for the Paraguay national team since 2020, making a total of 28 appearances. He has started 25 matches in World Cup qualifiers, Copa América, and friendly matches. His experience on the international stage is a significant asset to the Paraguayan national team. Notably, in the U-20 World Cup held in New Zealand in 2015, he started 2 out of 3 matches for the Argentina U-20 national team, demonstrating his outstanding potential from a young age.
In the current 2025 season, Cubas has appeared in 19 matches across all competitions, starting 17 of them, and has recorded 1 assist, playing a pivotal role in the team's midfield. His stable play as a defensive midfielder and his extensive work rate are crucial factors influencing the Whitecaps' performance.
Since joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC in April 2022, Cubas has played in a total of 112 matches, starting 105 times. During this period, he has consistently contributed to the team with 1 goal and 10 assists. He has been the central engine of the Whitecaps' midfield, responsible for disrupting opposing attacks and supporting the team's offense through effective ball distribution. Since his arrival, the Whitecaps have found stability in their midfield, which has positively impacted the team's overall performance.
This national team call-up is personally a glorious opportunity for Andrés Cubas, and for Paraguayan football fans, it will be a crucial moment to fulfill their long-held desire for World Cup qualification. All eyes are on whether his performance can play a decisive role in Paraguay's World Cup qualification. Simultaneously, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will need to prepare well for the MLS match without Cubas, focusing on minimizing his absence and securing points.
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