Paraguay World Cup 2026 Squad Confirmed By Gustavo Alfaro
The Paraguay World Cup 2026 squad is confirmed, with Gustavo Alfaro naming Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Gustavo Gómez and Diego Gómez in his 26-man list. The Paraguay national team return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence and now enter Group D with the United States, Australia and Türkiye. World Cup 2026 gives La Albirroja a sharp opening test against the co-hosts in Los Angeles.
Alfaro’s final list includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards. Local reports also confirmed that Isidro Pitta was the final call after Alfaro weighed his last attacking place. The squad leans heavily on players based abroad, with only three names from Paraguay’s domestic league.
Alfaro Keeps Paraguay Built Around Experience And Mobility
Gustavo Gómez remains the defensive leader and captain. The Palmeiras centre-back gives Paraguay authority in the box, set-piece strength and tournament experience. Fabián Balbuena, Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete and Juan Cáceres give Alfaro several senior defensive options.
The midfield group carries the team’s running power. Andrés Cubas and Damián Bobadilla can protect central spaces, while Diego Gómez gives Paraguay a ball-carrier with Premier League pace. Alejandro Romero Gamarra adds creativity if Alfaro needs a different rhythm between midfield and attack.
| Position | Players And Clubs |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Roberto Fernández (Cerro Porteño), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Gastón Olveira (Olimpia) |
| Defenders | Juan Cáceres (Dynamo Moscow), Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Junior Alonso (Atlético Mineiro), José Canale (Lanús), Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Fabián Balbuena (Grêmio) |
| Midfielders | Damián Bobadilla (São Paulo), Braian Ojeda (Orlando City), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matías Galarza (Atlanta United), Alejandro Romero Gamarra (Al-Ain), Mauricio Magalhães (Palmeiras), Diego Gómez (Brighton & Hove Albion) |
| Forwards | Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth), Ramón Sosa (Palmeiras), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Isidro Pitta (RB Bragantino), Gabriel Ávalos (Independiente), Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese) |
The forward line gives Paraguay several profiles. Almirón can press, carry the ball and attack space from wide areas. Enciso gives the squad a high-upside creator, while Sanabria, Ávalos, Arce and Pitta give Alfaro centre-forward depth.
Pitta’s late inclusion matters because it shows Alfaro wanted another physical attacking option. He started for RB Bragantino shortly before joining the squad camp, so match rhythm should not be a concern. The bigger question is how quickly he fits into Alfaro’s pressing and set-piece plans.
Group D Opens Against The United States In Los Angeles
Paraguay open against the United States on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The opener will bring host-country pressure, a large crowd and a quick test of Paraguay’s defensive shape. Alfaro’s team cannot afford a passive start because the United States will try to set tempo early.
The second match comes against Türkiye on June 20 in Santa Clara. Paraguay then face Australia on June 25 at the same California venue. Those two matches could decide whether La Albirroja finish second, third or leave the group under pressure.
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | United States vs Paraguay | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| June 20, 2026 | Paraguay vs Türkiye | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| June 25, 2026 | Australia vs Paraguay | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
Paraguay’s qualifying run gives Alfaro evidence that his structure can frustrate bigger names. The team beat Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay during the South American campaign, so the squad has already handled elite opponents. That history will matter when Group D becomes physical and tense.
The expanded tournament format also changes the risk calculation. A third-place finish can still be enough if Paraguay collect points and protect goal difference. Alfaro’s first target will be avoiding a heavy opening loss, then finding a win in the final two matches.
Why The Squad Announcement Changes The Group D Picture
Paraguay have not built this squad around one superstar. Alfaro has selected a collective unit with defensive discipline, counterattacking speed and several set-piece targets. That makes them uncomfortable for opponents who expect to control the match.
Gómez and Almirón give the group two clear leaders in different zones. Gómez sets the tone behind the ball, while Almirón can move pressure up the field. Enciso and Diego Gómez add a younger attacking layer that can turn transition moments into real chances.
The main concern is scoring volume. Paraguay can be hard to beat, yet tournament progression often requires ruthless finishing. Sanabria, Pitta, Ávalos and Arce must convert limited service if Alfaro’s plan produces only a few clear chances per match.
The domestic representation also tells its own story. Paraguay’s league contributes three players, but the wider squad reflects the national team’s global spread. Clubs in Brazil, Argentina, England, the United States, Russia and the UAE all shape the final roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paraguay arrive with a settled spine, a clear defensive identity and enough attacking variety to disturb Group D. Their tournament now depends on whether Alfaro can turn discipline into points against three very different opponents.
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