Paraguay at FIFA World Cup 2026 preview

It has been 24 years since the world met Paraguay last at the FIFA World Cup 2010. The Albirojas was a tough prospect in South Africa, conceding just two goals in its five matches before bowing out to eventual champion Spain, and that defensive tenacity will be the foundation of its campaign in 2026 as well.

Paraguay made it to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in one of the two extra slots afforded to CONMEBOL teams by virtue of the tournament’s expanded format. Its football in qualifying was far from electric as it scored just 14 goals in 18 matches, the joint-fewest of the six qualified sides.

Instead, it made itself rock solid, basing its playing style around defensive solidity and organisation as it let in just 10 goals in that time and notched up impressive victories when Brazil and Argentina visited Asuncion.

That impregnability is built on a defence brimming with experience. Gatito Fernandes, 38, is expected to occupy the net behind a back line featuring the seasoned trio of Junior Alonso, captain Gustavo Gomez, and Omar Alderete.

Going forward, Paraguay also has tools to hurt. Miguel Almiron is perhaps the biggest name in the squad, having been an important character in the early chapters of Newcastle United’s resurgence in English football, and he will be an important figure for this side creatively.

However, Almiron will not be carrying the Paraguay attack alone. Midfielder Diego Gomez will make his World Cup bow fresh off having won Young Player of the Season at Brighton and Hove Albion, while striker Antonio Sanabria, who plies his trade alongside Jamie Vardy at Cremonese, was its top goalscorer in qualifying.

Gustavo Alfaro’s side has possibly the least pedigree of the four teams in this group, but it has already shown that it has ample capability of hurting anyone on its day.

Player to watch out for: Miguel Almiron (Paraguay)

Viewers of the Premier League will remember Miguel Almiron’s tricky dribbling and speed as one of the cornerstones of the initial phase of Newcastle United’s resurgence. Almiron has now moved on to Atlanta United, but he will be looking to replicate those performances on Paraguay’s return to the World Cup.

Manager: Gustavo Alfaro

Experienced Argentine manager Gustavo Alfaro was tasked with getting Paraguay back to the FIFA World Cup, and he delivered in fine style.

Powered by a tenacious, difficult style of football, Alfaro will now be back at football’s biggest event for the second time, having previously managed Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Published on Jun 06, 2026

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