Paraguay is back on the world stage after a 16-year absence. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro has named a competitive preliminary roster for the FIFA World Cup 2026, relying on defensive resilience and high-intensity energy. Nicknamed La Albirroja, the team secured automatic qualification from the brutal CONMEBOL group.
Memorable qualifying victories over giants Brazil and Argentina proved that this disciplined side can orchestrate major tournament upsets.The squad profile features a blend of seasoned veterans and electric young talents. Captain and defensive anchor Gustavo Gómez leads the backline alongside Omar Alderete. The midfield is powered by Brighton’s rising star Diego Gómez and the creative sparks of Julio Enciso.
In the attacking department, Newcastle United winger Miguel Almirón provides explosive pace, feeding clinical finishers like Antonio Sanabria. Base-camped in the San Francisco Bay Area, Paraguay competes in Group C. They open their campaign against the United States at SoFi Stadium on June 13, followed by fixtures against Türkiye and Australia.
Alfaro’s tactical philosophy prioritises club starters, forcing fierce internal competition before the final 26-man roster deadline on June 1. This selection reflects a unified group determined to replicate their historic 2010 quarter-final run.
Paraguay squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Orlando Gill, Roberto "Gatito" Fernández, and Carlos Coronel.
Defenders: Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Júnior Alonso, Fabián Balbuena, Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Velázquez, José Canale, Alexandro Maidana, and Diego León.
Midfielders: Diego Gómez, Julio Enciso, Damián Bobadilla, Braian Ojeda, Matías Galarza, Lucas Romero, and Maurício.
Forwards: Miguel Almirón, Antonio Sanabria, Ramón Sosa, Álex Arce, Gabriel Ávalos, and Gustavo Caballero.
As the countdown to June 13 intensifies, this blend of resolute veterans and hungry young talents carries the hopes of a nation eager to make its mark after a 16-year tournament absence. Under the strict, tactical guidance of Gustavo Alfaro, La Albirroja possesses the defensive steel and sudden counter-attacking speed necessary to navigate a highly competitive Group C.
The final 26-man roster will be carved from this preliminary group by the June 1 deadline, leaving these players with just days to prove they deserve a spot on football's ultimate stage. If they can replicate the collective grit that stunned South America's giants during qualification, Paraguay is well-equipped to disrupt the established order and spark another historic knockout-stage run.
