Paraguay Storms Back: Hungry, Determined, and Primed to Shake Up the 2026 World Cup

Paraguay is making its World Cup return for the first time since its quarterfinal run in 2010—and the nation is hopeful of recapturing that same magic.

Four consecutive World Cup appearances around the turn of the millennium gave way to nearly two decades of disappointing campaigns, but a blend of seasoned veterans—Miguel Almirón and Gustavo Gomez—alongside exciting young talents—Julio Enciso and Diego Gómez—has La Albirroja brimming with confidence heading into the tournament.

Paraguay will aim to play the role of spoiler and upset the hosts, the United States. A victory over the Americans in Group D would go a long way toward convincing Paraguayans that their side could be genuine contenders.

The Road to the World Cup

Paraguay's path back to the World Cup was far from straightforward, with the side managing just five points from their opening 18 available in qualifying.

However, commanding victories over Brazil and Argentina under new head coach Gustavo Alfaro propelled Paraguay to a solid sixth-place finish in the CONMEBOL table, securing automatic World Cup qualification without the need for a playoff.

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Manager: Gustavo Alfaro

Having guided a youthful Ecuador squad at the 2022 tournament, Alfaro brings invaluable World Cup know-how to La Albirroja.

The Argentine tactician has forged a side that is remarkably difficult to break down, immediately lifting the mood in Paraguay's camp while extracting the maximum from every player available—something he has consistently done throughout his managerial career.

How Paraguay Plays

Alfaro's greatest asset is that he hasn't attempted to overhaul Paraguay's identity. Their core strength lies in a resolute defensive unit that is tough to break down, underpinned by a tireless work rate and a sharp understanding of shape and defensive organization.

Paraguay won't control the ball for long stretches, but deploying a target man up front (enter Antonio Sanabria) provides an effective outlet, and the technically gifted attacking midfielders frequently thrive in the pockets of space created. If you're searching for the textbook definition of a moments team, this is it.

Ones to Watch

X-Factor: Still a teenager watching from his couch when Paraguay last appeared at a World Cup, Almirón now leads his nation's long-overdue return to the stage, where his output and creative spark in attack will be central to La Albirroja's fortunes.

Breakout Star: A rising talent MLS fans will recall from his time alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, Diego Gómez has since established himself as a Premier League fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion. Full of energy, technical ability and surprising physicality, he also carries a thunderous shot—particularly from distance.

What Paraguay Will Be Wearing

Paraguay's iconic red and white vertical-striped home kit makes its return, featuring an earthy tone that pays homage to the clay-rich soil of the country.

The away strip is unlike anything Paraguay have previously donned—a dark base adorned with splashes of light blue and white shadow effects, producing an almost hypnotic optical illusion.

Paraguay's Predicted Starting XI

The central defensive partnership of Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete forms the foundation of one of South America's most formidable backlines. With Júnior Alonso and Juan José Cáceres patrolling the wide channels, Alfaro's defensive unit has built a strong collective understanding.

Andrés Cubas and Damián Bobadilla are set to form a combative midfield double pivot, looking to play direct balls into striker Sanabria—not the most prolific finisher, but an excellent target man when receiving the ball with his back to goal.

The gifted trio of Almirón, Diego Gómez and Enciso will ultimately dictate how far Paraguay advance. They are the creative engines of an otherwise modest attack, and with the license to drift across the final third, the three possess the quality to unpick most defensive setups.

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A hard-fought win against Greece in Paraguay's 2026 opener was followed by a 2–1 loss to Morocco, though the scoreline fails to capture the full picture.

Paraguay were largely the better side against the reigning Africa Cup of Nations holders—and one of the standout stories of the last World Cup—and were unlucky to leave with nothing. The match served as a valuable lesson in what it takes to beat elite opposition, one Paraguay will hope to apply once the tournament kicks off.

What We Can Expect From Paraguay Fans

Just under 10,000 Paraguayan supporters made the trip to South Africa in 2010 to cheer on their team. Given the long wait since then, that figure is widely expected to be considerably larger in North America this summer.

Draped in red and white stripes, pounding drums, tossing confetti and belting out "dale, dale, dale La Albirroja" (go, go, go Albirroja), Paraguay's supporters are impossible to ignore. It's a passionate and fiercely devoted fanbase—one that sets aside fierce club rivalries to unite behind the national team.

Paraguay may not always command the spotlight, but their fans will undoubtedly bring South American flair and color to the festivities.

National Expectations

Paraguay's encouraging recent form and a manageable group draw has fueled optimism that the nation can replicate its 2010 quarterfinal achievement.

Advancing to the knockout stages is Paraguay's primary goal—a realistic target for a side on the rise—and falling short would be viewed as a major letdown by the federation, players and supporters alike.

A run to the last eight may be slightly ambitious, but this Paraguay side is guaranteed to compete until the very end. They will not go quietly.

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