Paraguay have announced their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, marking La Albirroja’s return to the global stage for the first time since South Africa 2010. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro unveiled the roster that will take on Australia, Türkiye, and co-hosts USA in Group D, as Paraguayan football looks to recapture the grit and glory of a generation past.
For a nation that reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup losing to eventual champions Spain the subsequent 16 years have been a painful exile. But under the steely guidance of Alfaro, the Argentine tactician who previously revitalized Ecuador, Paraguay have clawed their way back.
The Enciso Factor: A Generation’s Hope
Richly talented 22-year-old attacker Julio Enciso is the undisputed headline name of Alfaro’s roster. The Brighton & Hove Albion forward, known for his explosive pace, low center of gravity, and thunderous striking ability, has become the face of Paraguay’s new generation. Despite battling injuries over the past two seasons, Enciso remains La Albirroja’s most dangerous weapon capable of single-handedly unlocking deep-lying defenses or unleashing a 30-yard rocket.
“He is our difference-maker,” Alfaro said in a press conference. “Julio has that spark, that madness in the best sense of the word. On his day, he can hurt any defense in the world.”
Veterans and Steel: Almiron, Sanabria Lead the Line
Joining Enciso in attack is Atlanta United star Miguel Almirón, whose relentless running and creative guile have been mainstays for club and country. Now 32, “Miggy” brings invaluable World Cup experience from Paraguay’s near-miss qualifying campaigns and offers leadership in the final third.
Alongside them is forward Antonio Sanabria, the Torino striker who has developed into a complete No. 9. Sanabria’s hold-up play, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing provide a different dimension allowing Alfaro to switch between a fluid 4-3-3 and a more direct 4-4-2 depending on the opponent.
Rock at the Back: Brazilian Football’s Finest
If Paraguay are to cause upsets in Group D, they will need to resurrect the defensive identity that defined their golden era. Alfaro’s defence is in safe hands with a centre-back pairing that plies its trade at the very top of Brazilian football.
- Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras) – The 32-year-old captain is a serial winner. With multiple Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa Libertadores titles to his name, Gómez is an old-school defender: ruthless in the tackle, dominant in the air, and a constant threat from set pieces. He is the heartbeat of the squad.
- Fabián Balbuena (Grêmio) – Gómez’s long-time partner, Balbuena brings similar physicality and experience. Having also played in England’s Premier League for West Ham United, the 34-year-old offers composure and tactical intelligence. Together, Gómez and Balbuena have conceded remarkably few goals in CONMEBOL’s brutal qualifying marathon.
Behind them, veteran goalkeeper Antony Silva (Puebla) is expected to start, though young shot-stoppers Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls) and Santiago Rojas (Nacional) provide competition.
The Road to 2026: Surviving the CONMEBOL Gauntlet
Paraguay’s qualification from South America’s notoriously ruthless 10-team round-robin was a triumph of resilience. Early in the campaign, results were unconvincing draws against Peru and Bolivia, a home loss to Chile. Many wrote them off.
But Alfaro’s arrival in late 2023 changed the mentality. He instilled a defensive identity first, grinding out ugly 1-0 wins away from home. The turning point came in September 2025: a shock 2-1 victory over Brazil in Asunción, where Enciso scored a breathtaking solo goal and Gómez headed home a corner in stoppage time. That result gave Paraguay belief.
They sealed their berth on the final matchday, holding Uruguay to a 0-0 draw in Montevideo—a quintessential Alfaro performance: organized, disciplined, and unbreakable. When the final whistle blew, players collapsed to the turf. Paraguay were back. (Source: fifa.com)
Group D Outlook: A Chance for Progress
Paraguay open their campaign against Australia in what is likely a must-not-lose match. The Socceroos are physically imposing but defensively vulnerable. Next comes Türkiye, a wildcard European side with technical quality but occasional defensive lapses. Finally, Paraguay face co-hosts USA in what could be a raucous, emotionally charged group-stage finale.
If Alfaro’s men can replicate their qualifying form defensive solidity, set-piece efficiency, and moments of Enciso brilliance a knockout berth is well within reach. After 16 years in the wilderness, Paraguay are not just happy to be there. They have a plan.
Selección de Paraguay para el Mundial de 2026
Goalkeepers
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Antony Silva | Puebla |
| Carlos Coronel | New York Red Bulls |
| Santiago Rojas | Nacional |
Defenders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Gustavo Gómez (Captain) | Palmeiras |
| Fabián Balbuena | Grêmio |
| Omar Alderete | Getafe |
| Junior Alonso | Atlético Mineiro |
| Iván Piris | Libertad |
| Robert Rojas | River Plate |
| Santiago Arzamendia | Cerro Porteño |
| Matías Espinoza | Libertad |
Midfielders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Miguel Almirón | Atlanta United |
| Mathías Villasanti | Grêmio |
| Richard Sánchez | América |
| Andrés Cubas | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Damián Bobadilla | São Paulo |
| Alejandro Romero Gamarra | Al Ain |
| Braian Ojeda | Real Salt Lake |
| Matías Rojas | Inter Miami |
| Fabrizio Peralta | Cerro Porteño |
Forwards
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Julio Enciso | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Antonio Sanabria | Torino |
| Adam Bareiro | River Plate |
| Gabriel Ávalos | Argentinos Juniors |
| Derlis González | Olimpia |
| Sebastián Ferreira | Houston Dynamo |
Read More: