Paraguay: World Cup 2026 Squad, Fixtures, Standings & Kits
Paraguay return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years, ending an absence that began after their quarter-final run in South Africa in 2010. Gustavo Alfaro’s squad qualified through CONMEBOL in sixth place with 28 points — enough to beat six other South American nations, including shock results against Argentina and Brazil during the campaign.
Drawn in Group D alongside the United States, Australia, and Türkiye, Paraguay face a tough challenge on the tournament’s opening weekend. All three group games take place on the West Coast of the USA — at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The squad, officially announced on 1 June 2026, features players from across South America, Europe, and MLS, with only three domestic Paraguayan players called up.
What should fans know about Paraguay at World Cup 2026?
Paraguay are competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They are placed in Group K and are managed by Gustavo Alfaro. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Paraguay — FIFA World Cup 2026
Group D · Coach: Gustavo Alfaro · La Albirroja
Contents
Paraguay World Cup 2026 Squad
Gustavo Alfaro confirmed his final 26-man squad on 1 June 2026. Only three players come from the domestic Paraguayan league — the rest play in Brazil (7 players), Argentina (6), and across Europe. Almirón captains a group of players with genuine international pedigree. Isidro Pitta claimed the final forward spot after an intense selection battle.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Key Players to Watch at World Cup 2026
Paraguay’s squad may not have superstars on the level of France’s Mbappé or Argentina’s Messi, but these six players have the quality to cause problems for anyone in Group D.
The captain and undisputed leader of La Albirroja. Almirón brings Premier League experience and big-game quality to Paraguay’s attack. His energy, dribbling ability, and directness make him the player opponents most fear, and the one Alfaro builds his team around.
The most exciting young talent in Paraguayan football. Enciso’s ability to create goals from nothing — explosive bursts of pace, audacious long-range shooting, and clever movement — make him one of the most unpredictable attackers in the tournament. He is Paraguay’s wild card.
A relentless wide forward who gives Paraguay pace and directness on the flank. Sosa’s work rate, crossing ability, and willingness to take on defenders give Paraguay an attacking outlet that stretches any defensive line.
The captain of Paraguay’s defence and one of the best centre-backs in South America. Gómez has won everything at club level with Palmeiras and brings elite-level experience and leadership to a defensive unit that kept clean sheets throughout CONMEBOL qualifying.
One of Paraguay’s most dependable defenders. Alderete’s physical presence, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure make him a vital partner for Gómez at the heart of the defence. His Championship experience with Sunderland gives him the edge in tight, physical battles.
The engine of Paraguay’s midfield. Cubas’s ability to win the ball back, cover ground, and dictate the tempo from the centre of the park gives Alfaro’s side a defensive foundation that allows the forwards to express themselves.
Tactics and Formation Under Gustavo Alfaro
Gustavo Alfaro organises Paraguay in a disciplined 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, built on defensive solidity and fast counter-attacking transitions. Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete anchor the back four, with Cubas providing the defensive midfield screen in front of them. Almirón plays in a free attacking role, drifting wide or dropping deep to receive and carry the ball forward at pace.
Paraguay will not dominate possession against the United States or Türkiye, and Alfaro knows that. Instead, La Albirroja will be compact without the ball and lethal on the counter, using Almirón’s speed and Enciso’s unpredictability to create chances from limited opportunities. It is a familiar style for this squad and one that works when the defensive unit is at its best.
| Formation | Style | Key Shape | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-4-2 | Compact block + counter | Gómez anchors defence; Almirón leads break | Hard to break down, direct on transition |
| 4-3-3 | Mid-block + wide press | Cubas as pivot; Enciso and Sosa wide; Sanabria 9 | Width, pace and pressing triggers |
| 5-3-2 | Ultra-defensive vs elites | Five across back; Almirón and Enciso up front | Maximum solidity against top opponents |
Group D Fixtures — Paraguay at WC 2026
Matchday viewing routes are covered in the where to watch Paraguay football guide before kickoff.
Paraguay open their 2026 World Cup campaign against the United States at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — the most hostile possible opener as the co-hosts play in front of a packed home crowd. Their remaining two fixtures at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara against Türkiye and Australia offer a more realistic chance of collecting points and advancing from the group.
Use the Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 TV schedule to match Group D fixtures with Paraguay kickoff times and official broadcast access.
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 June 2026 | USA vs Paraguay | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA |
| 19 June 2026 | Türkiye vs Paraguay | Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, CA |
| 25 June 2026 | Paraguay vs Australia | Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, CA |
Group D — FIFA World Cup 2026
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇹🇷 Türkiye | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The United States are co-hosts and clear favourites to top Group D. Türkiye and Australia are the most realistic targets for Paraguay when it comes to picking up points. A draw against Türkiye and a win against Australia would likely be enough to reach the round of 32 as a third-placed team. That is Paraguay’s realistic route through the group.
CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying
Paraguay qualified from CONMEBOL in sixth place, edging out Bolivia on goal difference. Their campaign included landmark wins against Argentina and Brazil — results that confirmed they deserve their place at this tournament. Alfaro’s side was consistently difficult to beat throughout, conceding only 10 goals across 18 qualifying matches.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | 18 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 31 | 10 | 38 |
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | 18 | 8 | 8 | 2 | — | — | 29 |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | 18 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 28 | 18 | 28 |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | 18 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 22 | 12 | 28 |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 18 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 24 | 17 | 28 |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 18 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 14 | 10 | 28 |
Paraguay 2026 World Cup Kits
Paraguay’s distinctive red and white striped home kit is one of the most recognisable in South American football. Their 2026 World Cup kits are manufactured by Adidas. Official kit images will be updated when released by the APF and Adidas.
Paraguay at the World Cup
Paraguay have a surprisingly rich World Cup history for a nation of their size. Their best ever result came in 2010 in South Africa, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain. They have qualified for the World Cup nine times in total, always making their mark when they arrive.
| Year | Stage | Notable Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Group Stage | One of the founding nations; lost to USA and Belgium |
| 1950 | Group Stage | Lost to Sweden and Uruguay in group stage |
| 1958 | Group Stage | First appearance with Stroessner’s Paraguay |
| 1986 | Round of 16 | Lost to England 3–0 |
| 1998 | Round of 16 | Lost to France 1–0 via golden goal |
| 2002 | Round of 16 | Lost to Germany 1–0 in extra time |
| 2006 | Group Stage | Eliminated in group stage despite Roque Santa Cruz |
| 2010 | Quarter-final | Best-ever result — lost to Spain 1–0 |
| 2026 | TBD | Group D: USA, Türkiye, Australia — return after 16 years |
The 2026 World Cup ends a 16-year absence that has felt painfully long for Paraguayan football supporters. Alfaro’s squad have earned their place through a tough CONMEBOL campaign and carry the weight of a nation’s expectations. If they can replicate the defensive discipline and counter-attacking quality that defined their 2010 campaign, another deep run is not out of the question.
