Paraguay makes its return to the global football stage after missing out on the last three FIFA World Cup editions.
Nicknamed La Albirroja, the team officially announced its squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, on Tuesday (2 June 2026).
According to Bolasport.com, head coach Gustavo Alfaro has selected 26 of the country’s best players, currently competing across various international leagues, to represent Paraguay in the four-yearly tournament.
The spotlight fell on Miguel Almiron when the final squad was unveiled at the Ypane Complex on Monday (1 June 2026) local time.
The former Newcastle United midfielder, now playing for Atlanta United, is expected to be the driving force behind Paraguay’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup.
From 75 international appearances, Almiron has scored nine goals, making him the top scorer among the current squad members.
Beyond his scoring record, Almiron brings invaluable international experience to the team.
He is the second most-capped player in the squad, behind captain Gustavo Gomez, who has amassed 88 appearances.
Interestingly, Gustavo Alfaro has included nine midfielders in his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
This selection clearly indicates that Paraguay will rely heavily on midfield control to compete in the group stage.
Alongside Miguel Almiron, several internationally recognized names feature in this department.
Among them are Diego Gomez, who plays for Brighton; Damian Bobadilla from Sao Paulo; Ramon Sosa of Palmeiras; and Andres Cubas from Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer.
This composition demonstrates Paraguay’s depth, particularly in dictating tempo and launching attacks from the second line.
In defence, Paraguay continues to rely on the experience of Gustavo Gomez, Junior Alonso, Fabian Balbuena, and Omar Alderete.
For the attacking line, Alfaro has called up six forwards.
Several of them currently play in Europe, including Julio Enciso of Strasbourg, Antonio Sanabria from Cremonese, and Gustavo Caballero representing Portsmouth.
Isidro Pitta, who plays for Red Bull Bragantino, earned the final spot in the squad, adding more attacking options for Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.
According to Tribunnews.com, Paraguay’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup owes much to Gustavo Alfaro’s leadership.
The Argentine coach was appointed in August 2024, during a difficult period in the qualification campaign.
Before Alfaro’s arrival, Paraguay had managed just one win from their first four qualifying matches under Daniel Garnero.
However, things changed dramatically once Alfaro took charge.
Paraguay began to show improvement, holding Uruguay to a draw and securing a crucial victory over Brazil.
During his tenure in the qualifiers, Alfaro recorded six wins, five draws, and only one defeat.
Paraguay finished the qualification stage with 28 points from 18 matches, sealing their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
This achievement ended Paraguay’s 16-year absence from the tournament, with their last appearance being at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Paraguay’s presence at the 2026 World Cup is not merely to fill a quota from the CONMEBOL region.
Alfaro has successfully restored player confidence and reignited optimism among Paraguayan football fans.
Many supporters believe Alfaro’s arrival has revitalised the national team’s spirit after years of decline.
At the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay will compete in Group D alongside hosts the United States, Turkey, and Australia.
Their opening match will be a challenging one as they face the United States on 13 June 2026.
They will then meet Turkey on 20 June before finishing the group stage against Australia on 26 June 2026.
Based on their impressive qualifying performance and the quality of their current squad, Paraguay could be one of the dark horses capable of springing surprises in the 2026 World Cup.
Head coach Gustavo Alfaro has called up 26 players for the 2026 World Cup campaign, consisting of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders, and six forwards.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Paraguay is in Group D alongside the United States, Turkey, and Australia.
