Paraguay World Cup 2026

Paraguay are a South American side with a proud World Cup tradition built on defensive resilience, physical toughness and a knack for grinding out results. La Albirroja have historically been one of the most awkward teams to beat on the continent, renowned for their goalkeeping heritage and organised backlines. Their squad blends experienced South American-based players with emerging talent from European leagues. After missing both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, returning to the World Cup in 2026 — and recapturing the form that took them to the 2010 quarter-finals — is a significant achievement for a proud football nation.

Paraguay edged back into the World Cup as CONMEBOL's sixth-placed side in September 2025, ending a 16-year absence. Drawn into Group D with co-hosts the United States, Türkiye and Australia, they face a fiercely competitive group but bring the defensive grit and counter-attacking sharpness to cause problems.

Gustavo Alfaro sets up a pragmatic, compact 4-4-2 built on defensive structure and sharp transitions. Miguel Almirón supplies pace and creativity, Julio Enciso offers youthful flair, and Diego Gómez drives the midfield. Disciplined, physical and lethal on the break, La Albirroja are built to frustrate favourites.

Paraguay have appeared at eight World Cups, with their best result a quarter-final finish in 2010 in South Africa (eliminated by eventual champions Spain). They also reached the Round of 16 in 1998 and 2002. Paraguay's World Cup story is defined by defensive solidity and legendary goalkeepers such as José Luis Chilavert, who was famous for taking — and scoring — free-kicks and penalties.

Paraguay's legendary goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert was a free-kick and penalty specialist who scored more than 60 career goals — including eight at international level — making him one of the most prolific scoring goalkeepers in football history.