Introduction
Paraguay returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, ending a 16-year absence that felt like an eternity for a nation that reached four consecutive tournaments between 1998 and 2010. The turnaround under Argentine manager Gustavo Alfaro has been remarkable: from 5 points in the first 18 available in CONMEBOL qualifying to automatic qualification with 28 points, including statement victories over Brazil and Argentina. This is not the same Paraguay that limped through three consecutive qualifying campaigns. Alfaro has built a team that is organized, resilient, and capable of producing moments of individual brilliance.
The 2026 squad represents a generational shift. Miguel Almiron is the last link to the Premier League era, while Julio Enciso and Diego Gomez embody the new wave of Paraguayan talent making their mark in European football. They are drawn in Group D with co-hosts USA, Australia, and Turkey, a competitive group where every match could go either way.
The Squad
Paraguay's preliminary squad features a blend of CONMEBOL experience and European-based talent. The core is built around a defensive structure that conceded just 10 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualifiers, the fourth-best defensive record in South America.
Goalkeepers: Anthony Silva (Cerro Porteno) is the likely starter, with Roberto Fernandez (Libertad) and Junior Espinola providing cover. The goalkeeping position has been one of Paraguay's most stable, with consistent performances throughout qualifying.
Defenders: Omar Alderete (Getafe, on loan from Valencia) and Gustavo Gomez (Cerro Porteno) form the center-back partnership. Fabian Balbuena's experience is missed, but the current pairing is solid. Jorge Alonso and Gustavo Velazquez compete for the full-back positions, with Bruno Riveros adding attacking quality from the left side. Junior Alonso (Cerro Porteno, no relation to Jorge) provides versatility across the backline.
Midfielders: The midfield is Paraguay's deepest position. Diego Gomez (Inter Miami) is the creative hub, a technically gifted number 10 who can dictate tempo and play the final pass. Mathias Villasanti (Gremio) provides the defensive steel, while Richard Rios (Flamengo) adds energy and pressing. Angel Romero (Cerro Porteno) and Robert Rojas offer width, while Damian Bobadilla and Bruno Ojeda provide depth. Adamir Romero contributes from a wide position.
Attackers: Miguel Almiron (Newcastle) is the star name, though his role has evolved from the speedy winger of his Atlanta United days to a more central, creative position. Julio Enciso (Brighton, on loan) is the breakout talent, capable of spectacular goals and quick feet in tight spaces. Antonio Sanabria (Torino) is the target man and top scorer from qualifying with 4 goals. Adam Arce and Alejandro Romero add attacking depth, while Gabriel Avalos provides a physical option.
Recent Form and Qualification
Paraguay's CONMEBOL qualifying campaign is a tale of two halves. The first half was defined by cautious, ineffective football that left them near the bottom of the standings. The second half, under Alfaro, was characterized by defensive discipline and timely goals.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Qualifying matches | 18 |
| Wins | 7 |
| Draws | 7 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Goals scored | 14 |
| Goals conceded | 10 |
| Final position | 6th |
| Points | 28 |
| Top scorer | Antonio Sanabria (4) |
| Top assist | Diego Gomez (2) |
The defining results were a 1-0 win over Brazil and a 2-1 victory over Argentina, both achieved with the kind of counterattacking football that Alfaro has made his trademark. These were not lucky wins. Paraguay created genuine chances and defended with the kind of organization that comes from clear tactical instruction and collective belief.
The low goal-scoring output (14 goals in 18 matches, just 0.78 per game) is a concern. Only Bolivia scored fewer among the seven CONMEBOL qualifiers. Paraguay's path to results runs through defensive solidity and set pieces rather than free-flowing attacking football.
In pre-tournament friendlies, Paraguay have continued their conservative approach, drawing 0-0 and winning 1-0 in low-key affairs. The lack of attacking fluidity remains the primary concern heading into the tournament.
Tactical System
Alfaro primarily uses a 4-2-3-1 that transitions into a 4-4-2 defensive block. The system is built on compactness, work rate, and quick transitions through the creative midfielders.
In possession: Paraguay keep things simple. The center-backs play short to the double pivot, who look for Diego Gomez between the lines or Almiron making runs in behind. Sanabria holds up the ball effectively, allowing Enciso and Almiron to play off him. The full-backs do not push high, instead keeping the defensive shape intact.
Out of possession: The 4-4-2 mid-block is Paraguay's default defensive shape. The two strikers (Sanabria and one of Enciso/Almiron) cut off passing lanes to the opposition center-backs, while the midfield four stay compact and force play wide. Paraguay are comfortable sitting deep for extended periods, trusting their organization to keep chances to a minimum.
Set pieces: With Alderete (186cm), Gomez (185cm), and multiple aerial threats, Paraguay are dangerous from corners and free kicks. Three of their 14 qualifying goals came from set pieces, a proportion they will look to increase at the World Cup.
Weaknesses: The attack lacks rhythm and variety. When the counterattack is not on, Paraguay struggle to build sustained pressure. The wide players tend to drift inside, leaving the team narrow and predictable. Against teams that sit deep against them (which may not happen often in Group D), Paraguay could struggle to create.
For more on tactical systems at the tournament, see our AI-powered World Cup predictions.
Group Stage Path
Paraguay is in Group D with the USA, Australia, and Turkey. Every match is competitive, and the group could be decided by fine margins.
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| USA vs Paraguay | June 13, 2026 | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Turkey vs Paraguay | June 20, 2026 | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara |
| Paraguay vs Australia | June 25, 2026 | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara |
USA (June 13)
The blockbuster opener. Playing the co-hosts at SoFi Stadium in front of 70,000 mostly American fans is the toughest fixture in the group. The USMNT will press high and push the tempo, which could actually suit Paraguay's counterattacking style. If Alfaro's team can absorb the early pressure and hit on transitions through Enciso and Almiron, an upset is possible. Paraguay's defensive organization against the USA's attacking talent will be the defining tactical battle.
Turkey (June 20)
A pivotal match that could decide second place. Turkey's midfield quality (Calhanoglu, Guler, Kokcu) will test Paraguay's defensive discipline. The match will likely be tight and tactical, with set pieces potentially the difference. Paraguay's physical edge against Turkey's technical approach creates a fascinating contrast in styles.
Australia (June 25)
The group closer against fellow tournament regulars. Australia's direct, physical style mirrors Paraguay's approach, which could lead to a scrappy, attritional match. Both teams will see this as winnable, and the result could determine which one advances. If Paraguay need a result, Alfaro's ability to motivate his team in a high-pressure moment will be tested.
For a broader look at the tournament format, see our guide to the 2026 World Cup groups and the USA team profile.
World Cup Prediction
Paraguay has the defensive foundation to compete in every match in Group D. The question is whether they can score enough goals to turn draws into wins and narrow losses into draws.
Best case: Paraguay upsets the USA in the opener (1-0 or 2-1), draws with Turkey, and beats Australia. Nine points would win the group and set up a favorable Round of 32 matchup. From there, a run to the Round of 16 would match their 2010 achievement, and the quarterfinals would not be out of reach.
Worst case: The USA's home support overwhelms Paraguay in the opener, Turkey's midfield dominates possession in the second match, and Australia edges a tight group closer. One point or fewer and an early exit, vindicating the critics who point to the team's lack of attacking quality.
Most likely: Paraguay finishes second or third with 4-5 points, likely requiring results elsewhere to go their way. They beat Australia, draw one of the other two matches, and advance to the Round of 32. The defensive discipline is there. The attacking output is the variable that determines how far they go.
Check our knockout round projections for bracket analysis and probability estimates.
Key Players to Watch
Miguel Almiron (Attacking Midfielder/Winger, Newcastle United)
The veteran star. Almiron's pace has slightly diminished from his Atlanta United MVP days, but his intelligence, work rate, and ability to play multiple positions make him indispensable. He will likely operate in a central role behind Sanabria, using his movement to find pockets of space. His experience in the Premier League means he will not be intimidated by the occasion.
Julio Enciso (Attacker, Brighton on loan)
The wildcard. Enciso is the most naturally talented Paraguayan attacker, capable of moments of individual brilliance that can change a match. His goal for Brighton against Manchester City in 2023 went viral for its audacity. At the World Cup, his dribbling and quick feet in tight spaces could unlock defenses that sit deep against Paraguay. If he starts, he is the X-factor.
Diego Gomez (Midfielder, Inter Miami)
The creative engine. Gomez has been one of the standout performers in MLS since joining Inter Miami, developing into a complete midfielder who can create, score, and defend. His partnership with Lionel Messi at club level has accelerated his development, and he brings that confidence to the national team. He led Paraguay in assists during qualifying and will be the primary set-piece taker.
Antonio Sanabria (Striker, Torino)
The target man. Sanabria's 4 goals in qualifying made him the team's top scorer, and his physical presence is essential to Paraguay's system. He holds up the ball, wins aerial duels, and brings others into play. His finishing is not elite, but his overall contribution to the team's attacking structure is significant. If Paraguay score from open play, it likely starts with Sanabria's hold-up play.
Sources
- Sports Illustrated - "Paraguay 2026 World Cup Preview: Back and Ready to Make an Impact" (May 2026)
- FIFA.com - "South American qualifying results | FIFA World Cup 26" (CONMEBOL standings)
- FutbolUpdate - "Paraguay World Cup 2026 Schedule: Results, Scores & Standings" (2026)
- API-Football / FIFA official data - Paraguay fixtures and squad data
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