Estadio Defensores del Chaco

The stadium's origins date back to 1917, when it opened as the Stadium de Sajonia. Over the following decades it carried several different names, including Estadio Uruguay and Estadio Puerto Sajonia.

Named for the defenders of the Chaco

In the 1930s the ground was renamed in honour of the Paraguayan soldiers who fought in the Chaco War (1932–1935) against Bolivia, during which it even served as a munitions depot. The name Defensores del Chaco — "Defenders of the Chaco" — thus carries deep patriotic meaning. The venue hosted the first-ever Copa Libertadores final in 1960 (Olimpia Asunción against Peñarol) and was a host ground for the 1999 Copa América, while in 1953 Paraguay celebrated a continental title here. Major renovations followed in 1939, 1996, 2007 and 2015, and since 2023 the ground has carried the sponsored name Estadio Ueno Defensores del Chaco.

When La Albirroja — the nickname of Paraguay's national side — takes the field, Sajonia turns into a sea of red and white, the colours of the national flag. World Cup qualifiers staged here rank among the most intense atmospheres on the South American continent.

The passion of La Albirroja

Paraguayan supporters are famed for their relentless devotion and fighting spirit, mirroring the determined character of a team named after war heroes. Drums, chants and banners create a setting in which visiting sides feel constant pressure. Asunción lives and breathes football year-round, and clashes between traditional clubs such as Olimpia and Cerro Porteño are highlights of the domestic calendar.

• Nickname: La Albirroja (the white and red)
• Colours: red and white
• Peak fixtures: World Cup qualifiers, national-team matches
• Character: fervent, patriotic atmosphere

The stadium sits in the historic Sajonia neighbourhood, close to central Asunción, bordered by the streets Mayor Martínez and Estados Unidos. Its position near the city core makes it easy to reach.

Getting to the match

Numerous city bus routes serve the area around the ground, and taxis or ride-hailing apps offer a quick, affordable trip from the centre. On matchday it is wise to arrive early, as the streets surrounding the stadium fill up quickly.

• Location: Sajonia district, Asunción
• Transport: city buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps
• Matchday tip: arrive early and expect crowds nearby
• Nearby: Asunción's historic centre, the Paraguay River waterfront, and local restaurants serving dishes such as sopa paraguaya