Paraguay Unveils 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup, Eyes Knockout Stage Return

Paraguay has officially revealed its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, signaling their intent to make a significant impact in North America. Managed by Gustavo Alfaro, La Albirroja will be participating in their first World Cup since 2010, a tournament where they reached the quarterfinals.

The squad comprises players from various leagues worldwide, including Paraguay’s top flight, England’s Premier League, Italy’s Serie A, and Brazil’s Serie A. This blend of experience and youth is expected to be a key factor as Paraguay navigates Group D, which includes host nation USA, Turkey, and Australia.

Key facts
| Player Name | Team | Age | Caps |
|——————–|—————————–|—–|——|
| Roberto Fernandez | Cerro Porteno | 38 | 30 |
| Gustavo Gomez | Palmeiras | 33 | 89 |
| Miguel Almiron | Atlanta United FC | 32 | 76 |
| Julio Enciso | RC Strasbourg | 22 | 32 |
| Diego Gomez | Brighton & Hove Albion | 23 | 24 |

Alfaro’s Coaching Journey

Gustavo Alfaro, a native of Argentina, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Paraguayan dugout. After a brief playing career, he transitioned to management, managing various clubs in Argentina before taking the helm of Ecuador’s national team in 2020. His tenure with Ecuador saw a mixed record before he moved to Costa Rica in 2023. In August 2024, Alfaro was appointed manager of Paraguay, guiding them to a 9W-6D-4L record leading into the World Cup.

Paraguay’s World Cup History

This marks Paraguay’s ninth appearance in the World Cup, with their debut dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1930. Their most successful campaign was in 2010, where they were narrowly defeated by eventual champions Spain in the quarterfinals. Other notable performances include reaching the Round of 16 in 1986, 1998, and 2002.

World Cup 2026 Group Stage Schedule

Paraguay’s journey in the 2026 World Cup begins with a challenging match against the United States. Their group stage fixtures are as follows:

June 12: United States vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
June 19: Turkey vs. Paraguay at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Emerging Talent and Veteran Leadership

The squad features several players expected to play crucial roles. Twenty-two-year-old forward Julio Enciso, despite his youth, has already earned 32 caps and is considered a significant part of Paraguay’s future. He demonstrated his potential with nine goal contributions in 27 appearances in France’s Ligue 1.

Midfielder Diego Gomez, who moved from MLS to the Premier League, is another young talent poised to make an impact. He has contributed three goals in 24 caps for Paraguay and offers versatility in the midfield.

Veteran presence will be provided by Miguel Almiron, now one of the older players on the squad. The Atlanta United captain’s experience and goal-scoring ability will be vital for Paraguay’s aspirations, having netted 10 goals in 76 international appearances.

The Paraguayan roster represents a mix of established stars and promising newcomers, all aiming to replicate and surpass the nation’s best World Cup performances. Their opening match against the United States will set the tone for their campaign in Group D.

Source: Yahoo Sports, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/inside-paraguays-soccer-team-complete-060001204.html

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