Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Paraguay made their World Cup debut in 1930 and have appeared at the tournament nine times in total, including 2026. Their most memorable campaign came at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they reached the quarter-finals for the first time, defeating Japan on penalties in the round of 16 before losing narrowly to eventual champions Spain. Paraguay have never won the World Cup. The 2026 tournament marks their first appearance since 2010, ending a 16-year absence.

Qualification

Paraguay qualified automatically by finishing sixth in the final CONMEBOL standings with 28 points, one of the six automatic berths. The turnaround under coach Gustavo Alfaro, appointed in mid-2024 after a disappointing Copa America, was remarkable: Paraguay went on an eight-match unbeaten run that included wins over Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. They finished eight points clear of seventh-placed Bolivia, securing direct passage to the World Cup without needing an inter-confederation playoff.

Preparation

Paraguay's 2026 World Cup run ended in the Round of 16, eliminated 1-0 by France on July 4 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field (att. 68,324) via a 70th-minute Kylian Mbappé penalty awarded after a VAR review of a Diego Gómez challenge on Désiré Doué. That followed the tournament's biggest upset in the Round of 32: Paraguay beat four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties (1-1 after extra time, Enciso 42' for Paraguay, Havertz 54' for Germany) on June 29 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, with José Canale converting the winning spot-kick and Orlando Gill saving twice. Coach Gustavo Alfaro said Paraguay 'came to compete and competed,' praised the players for fighting 'like lions,' and put his own continuity as coach in doubt, citing exhaustion and needing time with his family before deciding his future; APF president Robert Harrison thanked Alfaro and his staff for the World Cup run.

Latest news

Alfaro puts his future as Paraguay coach in doubt after World Cup elimination

· general

A day after the France defeat, Gustavo Alfaro said he could not yet decide on his future: 'I have open wounds today, I'm bleeding... I don't know what I'll do with my professional life,' citing five or six years of postponing family plans. APF president Robert Harrison thanked Alfaro and his staff for their professionalism and commitment during the World Cup cycle.

Paraguay's World Cup run ends: France win 1-0 in the Round of 16 on a Mbappé penalty

· matches

France eliminated Paraguay 1-0 at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (att. 68,324, played in extreme heat), on a 70th-minute Kylian Mbappé penalty awarded after VAR review of a Diego Gómez challenge on Désiré Doué. Gill guessed the wrong way. Alfaro said his players 'fought like lions' and that France 'never found the answers' outside the individual VAR penalty moment.

Paraguay stun four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties to reach the Round of 16

· matches

One of the tournament's biggest upsets: Paraguay drew 1-1 after extra time with Germany at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Enciso 42', Havertz 54'), then won 4-3 on penalties. Germany missed three of six spot-kicks (Havertz, Woltemade saved; Tah blazed over in sudden death); José Canale scored the winner after Neuer saved Balbuena's attempt. Germany's first-ever World Cup shootout defeat.

Paraguay confirmed for Round of 32 vs Germany on June 29 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

· general

After other group results were decided, Paraguay were confirmed as one of the eight best third-place teams and will face Group E winners Germany in the Round of 32 on June 29 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (kickoff 16:30 ET). Coach Alfaro described the encounter as 'a privilege and an opportunity to continue making history'. Paraguay enter the knockouts with 4 points from Group D.

Alderete knee injury doubt; Gómez suspended; Almirón returns; Sosa optimistic for Germany

· injuries

Paraguay trained in San Jose after the Australia draw, starters doing recovery. Diego Gómez is suspended for the Germany Round of 32 (second tournament yellow card). Almirón returns after his Australia suspension. Omar Alderete worked in the gym with a knee injury, expected available pending assessment. Ramón Sosa continued ankle recovery; medical staff optimistic about availability vs Germany.

Paraguay 0-0 Australia: both teams advance from Group D; Paraguay progress as third-place qualifier

· matches

Paraguay and Australia shared a goalless draw at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (att. 68,827), both advancing. Australia finished second, Paraguay third (both 4pts). Orlando Gill made key saves. Omar Alderete was substituted in the 84th minute by José Canale with a knee injury. Diego Gómez was booked (77'), earning a Round of 32 suspension. Mauricio's stoppage-time effort was saved by Patrick Beach.

Ávalos and Mauricio set to start vs Australia as Alfaro makes two changes from Turkey XI

· squad

For the June 25 decider against Australia, coach Alfaro rehearsed two changes at the final Spartan Soccer Complex session: Gabriel Ávalos replaces Isidro Pitta and Mauricio replaces the suspended Miguel Almirón. Ramón Sosa remains unavailable and continues individual recovery. The rest of the squad is fit. Referee for the match is Clément Turpin of France.

Alfaro: 'We must treat Australia like the last match of the World Cup'

· general

Coach Alfaro said: 'Tenemos que vivir mañana como si fuera el último partido' (approach tomorrow as the final match). He confirmed Mauricio replaces the suspended Almirón, praised Enciso's evolution, and added: 'La jerarquía se respeta, pero no se teme' (hierarchy is respected, not feared). A win would be the first time Paraguay won two matches in a single World Cup.

Cubas: 'Patience will be the key' against Australia

· general

Midfielder Andrés Cubas said ahead of the Australia clash: 'The key will be being patient, trying to have good ball control' and exploiting spaces on the counter. He noted the match would differ from the Turkey game, requiring more focus on transitions. Cubas also acknowledged that mandatory climate stoppages could serve as moments to adjust tactically if needed.

Caballero and Bobadilla rejoin group training; Sosa still individual ahead of Australia

· injuries

Ahead of the June 25 decider vs Australia, Caballero and Bobadilla returned to full group training and are progressing well. Sosa is still working individually and has not rejoined the group. Almiron is suspended. Five players carry a yellow card: Caceres, Diego Gomez, Junior Alonso, Arce and Galarza.

Almirón suspended for Australia after red card vs Turkey under new FIFA mouth-covering rule

· squad

Almirón was sent off (45+3', VAR) for covering his mouth while speaking to Mert Müldür, violating the new FIFA mouth-covering rule (dubbed the 'Vinicius-Prestianni Law'). He is the first player dismissed under this rule at the 2026 World Cup and is automatically suspended for Paraguay's June 25 final Group D game vs Australia. Coach Alfaro: 'Me cuesta jugar este deporte nuevo.'

Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0: Galarza's 64-second strike and 10-man defensive heroics keep knockout hopes alive

· matches

Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0 at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (att. 68,827). Galarza scored at 64 seconds, the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup. Almiron was then sent off (45+3', VAR, mouth-covering rule), leaving 10 men. Cubas and Gill were outstanding in defense. XI: Gill; Caceres, G.Gomez (c), Alderete, J.Alonso; Cubas, D.Gomez, Almiron; Galarza, Pitta, Enciso.

Sosa fit for Turkey; Caballero out with muscle injury for Group D decider

· injuries

Ahead of Paraguay's Group D clash vs Turkey at Levi's Stadium, Sosa has recovered from his ankle problem and is available. Caballero remains out with a muscle injury. Alfaro confirmed an XI with Enciso and Pitta in attack and Galarza in midfield. Coach said: 'No time for regret' after the USA defeat and called Turkey 'a very complex rival with significant pedigree.'

Paraguay beaten 4-1 by USA in World Cup Group D opener at SoFi Stadium

· matches

USA beat Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (att. 70,492). Bobadilla OG (7'), Balogun (31', 45+5') put the USA 3-0 up at half-time; Mauricio pulled one back (73') but Reyna added a late fourth (90+8'). USA dominated with 65% possession and a 6-1 shots-on-target advantage. It was the USMNT's highest-ever World Cup goal tally.

Paraguay confirm starting XI: Orlando Gill in goal, Enciso fit and in attack for USA opener

· squad

Coach Gustavo Alfaro finalised Paraguay's lineup for the June 12 opener vs USA at SoFi Stadium: Orlando Gill (GK); Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Alderete, Junior Alonso; Diego Gomez, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almiron; Enciso, Sanabria. Gill was preferred over Roberto Fernandez, who lost ground due to insufficient club minutes. Alfaro stated: 'We come to compete and play on equal terms against anyone.'

Enciso clears fitness test, trains normally and earns starting spot in Paraguay XI

· injuries

Julio Enciso, sidelined with a right-thigh contusion since June 5, trained with complete normality at Paraguay's fifth and final session in San Jose on June 11, inserting himself into the starting eleven alongside Antonio Sanabria. The injury was confirmed as an impact contusion rather than a muscle-fibre tear, and his recovery was faster than expected.

Alex Arce lined up to start for Paraguay in place of Enciso vs USA

· matches

At Paraguay's training on June 10 at the Spartan Soccer Complex in San Jose, California, Gustavo Alfaro deployed Alex Arce alongside Antonio Sanabria in attack, positioning Arce as likely starter and main replacement for the injured Julio Enciso in the June 12 opener against the USA. Alfaro again rotated his three goalkeepers and tried Alexandro Maidana as a left-back alternative to Junior Alonso.

Enciso practically ruled out of USA opener; could return for Turkey

· injuries

Reports from Paraguay's June 9 training in San Jose said medical tests confirmed Julio Enciso has no muscle-fibre rupture in his right thigh, but he is doing differentiated training to avoid overload and is practically ruled out of the June 12 debut against the United States. He could be available for the second group match vs Turkey. Arce, Mauricio or Caballero are the options to replace him.

Paraguay land in San Jose, California and start World Cup training

· general

Paraguay's delegation landed on Sunday June 7 in San Jose, California, where they were greeted by supporters, and held their first training session that same day at the Spartan Soccer Complex of San Jose State University. The team based itself there to prepare for its June 12 Group D opener against the United States at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Paraguay medical report: Enciso has right-thigh contusion, stays in squad

· injuries

Paraguay's June 6 medical bulletin said Julio Enciso suffered a muscle contusion (not a fibre tear) in his right thigh after being stretchered off in the Nicaragua friendly. He remains in the World Cup squad under permanent monitoring, with his return depending on his daily evolution. He travelled with the delegation, boarding the plane walking normally.

Paraguay's squad departs Asuncion for the United States

· general

Paraguay's delegation flew out of Silvio Pettirossi International Airport on June 6 bound for the United States, after a long pre-departure wait on the runway due to security protocols. Thousands of fans gathered at the airport and along the route to send off the team on its return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence.

Paraguay beat Nicaragua 4-0 in World Cup farewell friendly

· matches

Paraguay closed their preparation with a 4-0 win over Nicaragua at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion on June 5. Alejandro 'Kaku' Romero (penalty), Miguel Almiron, Matias Galarza and Alexandro Maidana scored. The night was overshadowed by an injury to Julio Enciso, who was stretchered off in the 23rd minute after a hard foul.

FIFA confirms Paraguay's World Cup 2026 shirt numbers

· squad

FIFA confirmed the squad numbers for Paraguay's 26 players for the 2026 World Cup. The three goalkeepers wear 1 (Roberto Fernandez), 12 (Orlando Gill) and 22 (Gaston Olveira). Antonio Sanabria takes the number 9, Miguel Almiron the 10, and captain Gustavo Gomez the 15.

Striker Alex Arce declared "Distinguished Son of Carapegua"

· general

The municipal council of Carapegua approved Resolution No. 149/2026 declaring squad striker Alex Arce a "Hijo Dilecto de Carapegua" (Distinguished Son of Carapegua). Arce is the first native of Carapegua to take part in a FIFA World Cup representing Paraguay, with the resolution honouring his sporting achievements and character.

Paraguay to play farewell friendly vs Nicaragua before World Cup

· matches

Before travelling to the United States, Paraguay will host Nicaragua in a send-off friendly at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion on Friday June 5, 2026 (kickoff 19:15 local). The APF framed the match as part of the build-up to the 2026 World Cup; the delegation is set to fly to the USA on June 6.

Alfaro names Paraguay's final 26-man World Cup squad

· squad

Coach Gustavo Alfaro announced Paraguay's definitive 26-player World Cup 2026 squad on June 1, with only three home-based players. Forward Isidro Pitta (RB Bragantino) was the last man called up the previous night. Alejandro "Kaku" Romero (Al Ain) and Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth) made the cut, while Angel Romero, Mathias Villasanti and Alan Benitez were among those left out.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Roberto FernándezGKCerro Porteño
Orlando GillGKCA San Lorenzo de Almagro
Gastón OlveiraGKOlimpia Asunción
Gustavo GómezDFSE Palmeiras
Junior AlonsoDFAtlético Mineiro
Fabián BalbuenaDFGrêmio
Omar AldereteDFSunderland AFC
Juan José CáceresDFDynamo Moscow
Gustavo VelázquezDFCerro Porteño
José CanaleDFCA Lanús
Alexandro MaidanaDFCA Talleres
Isidro PittaFWRed Bull Bragantino
Miguel AlmirónMFAtlanta United FC
Alejandro Romero GamarraMFAl Ain FC
Andrés CubasMFVancouver Whitecaps
Braian OjedaMFOrlando City SC
Diego GómezMFBrighton & Hove Albion
Damián BobadillaMFSão Paulo FC
Matías GalarzaMFAtlanta United FC
Julio EncisoMFRC Strasbourg
MauricioMFSE Palmeiras
Ramón SosaFWSE Palmeiras
Antonio SanabriaFWUS Cremonese
Gabriel ÁvalosFWCA Independiente
Álex ArceFWIndependiente Rivadavia
Gustavo CaballeroFWPortsmouth FC

Recent results

  • 2023-09-07 — PAR 0-0 PER (qualification)
  • 2023-09-12 — VEN 1-0 PAR (qualification)
  • 2023-10-12 — ARG 1-0 PAR (qualification)
  • 2023-10-17 — PAR 1-0 BOL (qualification)
  • 2023-11-16 — CHI 0-0 PAR (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — PAR 0-1 COL (qualification)
  • 2024-06-07 — PER 0-0 PAR (friendly)
  • 2024-06-11 — CHI 3-0 PAR (friendly)
  • 2024-06-16 — PAN 0-1 PAR (friendly)
  • 2024-09-06 — URU 0-0 PAR (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — PAR 1-0 BRA (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — ECU 0-0 PAR (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — PAR 2-1 VEN (qualification)
  • 2024-11-14 — PAR 2-1 ARG (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — BOL 2-2 PAR (qualification)
  • 2025-03-20 — PAR 1-0 CHI (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — COL 2-2 PAR (qualification)
  • 2025-06-05 — PAR 2-0 URU (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — BRA 1-0 PAR (qualification)
  • 2025-09-04 — PAR 0-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2025-09-09 — PER 0-1 PAR (qualification)
  • 2025-10-14 — KOR 2-0 PAR (friendly)
  • 2025-11-15 — USA 2-1 PAR (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — MEX 1-2 PAR (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — GRE 0-1 PAR (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — MAR 2-1 PAR (friendly)
  • 2026-06-05 — PAR 4-0 NCA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-19 — TUR 0-1 PAR (group)
  • 2026-06-25 — PAR 0-0 AUS (group)
  • 2026-06-29 — GER 1-1 PAR (round_of_32)
  • 2026-07-04 — PAR 0-1 FRA (round_of_16)

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