Paraguay at FIFA World Cup 2026 preview – Player to watch out for, Tactics, Predicted Game XI

It has been 24 years since the world last met Paraguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Albirojas have been a tough fixture in South Africa. They conceded just two goals in their five games before bowing out to eventual champions Spain, and that defensive tenacity will continue to underpin their campaign in 2026.

Paraguay made it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in one of the two additional slots offered to CONMEBOL teams thanks to the tournament’s expanded format. The football in qualifying was far from electric, scoring just 14 goals in 18 matches, the fewest of the six qualified teams.

Instead, they made themselves rock solid and based their playing style on defensive soundness and organisation, conceding just ten goals in that time and recording impressive victories when Brazil and Argentina visited Asuncion.

That impregnability is built on a defense packed with experience. Gatito Fernandes, 38, is expected to man the net behind a back line featuring seasoned trio Junior Alonso, captain Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete.

In the future, Paraguay also has tools to inflict pain. Miguel Almiron is perhaps the biggest name in the squad, having been a key figure in the early chapters of Newcastle United’s resurgence in English football, and he will be an important figure for this squad creatively.

However, Almiron will not carry out the attack on Paraguay alone. Midfielder Diego Gomez will make his World Cup bow fresh after winning Young Player of the Season at Brighton and Hove Albion, while striker Antonio Sanabria, who plays alongside Jamie Vardy at Cremonese, was the top scorer in qualifying.

Gustavo Alfaro’s side may have the worst reputation of the four teams in this group, but have already shown that they are more than capable of hurting someone on their day.

Player to watch out for: Miguel Almiron (Paraguay)

Premier League viewers will remember Miguel Almiron’s tricky dribbling and speed as one of the cornerstones of the early stages of Newcastle United’s revival. Almiron has now moved to Atlanta United, but he will look to repeat these performances upon Paraguay’s return to the World Cup.

Administrator: Gustavo Alfaro

Experienced Argentine manager Gustavo Alfaro was tasked with getting Paraguay back to the World Cup, and he did so in style.

Fueled by a tenacious, difficult style of football, Alfaro will now be back at football’s biggest event for a second time, having previously managed Ecuador at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Published on June 6, 2026