“Larissa Riquelme returns as the girlfriend of the World Cup.”

Sixteen years have passed since Larissa Riquelme gained worldwide recognition as the “Girlfriend of the World Cup,” an unexpected phenomenon that marked the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Now, the Paraguayan is preparing to make a grand return, this time truly present at the World Cup finals, ready to experience the competition like never before.

Contrary to what many fans believe, Larissa was never in the stands of South African stadiums in 2010. The iconic images that immortalized her were captured in a square in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, where the model watched her national team’s match in front of a giant screen. The Spanish press was the first to bestow upon her the epithet that quickly spread across the globe: the “Girlfriend of the World Cup.” In an interview with the EFE agency, Larissa confessed that this moment changed her life, catapulting her from a discreet existence into the international spotlight. The success opened doors for her in diverse markets such as Spain, China, South Korea, Japan, Peru, Chile, and Venezuela. Surprisingly, even José Luis Chilavert, the legendary Paraguayan goalkeeper and commentator at the time, reached out to her, believing she was indeed in Cape Town.

Now, in 2026, this story gains a new chapter that promises to move Paraguayan fans. Paraguay returns to the final stage of a World Cup after 16 years of absence, and Larissa Riquelme will be truly present in the stadiums hosting the event in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For the first time, the model, now also a journalist, will accompany the Albirroja national team live, not only as a fervent supporter but also as a professional, closely following her team’s performance in the ultimate competition of world football.

This presence promises to be a triumphant return filled with symbolism for Larissa, who remains an unparalleled icon of the World Cup and a reference figure for Paraguayan fans. The 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly be the perfect stage for Larissa Riquelme to reaffirm her status and write a new chapter in her indelible connection to football and her national team.

NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE