Paraguay
Paraguay (PAR) have been drawn in Group D for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside United States, Australia, Türkiye. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro leads the squad. Ranked #48 by FIFA, the team have made 8 World Cup appearance(s). Their opening match is on June 29 against Germany at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA.
Gustavo Alfaro
ARGustavo Julio Alfaro (born 14 August 1962 in Rafaela) is a veteran Argentine manager with over 665 matches across three decades. He won the 2012 Clausura with Arsenal de Sarandí — the club's first league title — and the Copa Argentina. He managed Boca Juniors in 2019, qualified Ecuador for the 2022 World Cup finishing third in CONMEBOL qualifying, and was appointed Paraguay head coach in August 2024, leading them to 2026 World Cup qualification.
- 2012 Clausura champion with Arsenal de Sarandí
- Qualified Ecuador for 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Led Paraguay to 2026 World Cup qualification
SQUAD
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GK Currently plying his trade at São Paulo FC, a dependable goalkeeper, Carlos Coronel is known for his commanding presence and shot-stopping ability, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
GK Currently plying his trade at Club Olimpia, a dependable goalkeeper, Gastón Olveira is known for his commanding presence and shot-stopping ability, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
GK Currently plying his trade at Newell's Old Boys, a dependable goalkeeper, Juan Espínola is known for his commanding presence and shot-stopping ability, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
GK Currently plying his trade at San Lorenzo, a dependable goalkeeper, Orlando Gill is known for his commanding presence and shot-stopping ability, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DF Palmeiras captain and Paraguay's defensive leader and national team captain. Currently plying his trade at Palmeiras, a dependable defender, Gustavo Gómez combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's backline. Has earned 60 international caps, scoring 5 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
DF Getafe centre-back and a key member of Paraguay's defence. Currently plying his trade at Getafe, a dependable defender, Omar Alderete combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's backline. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
DF Experienced Paraguayan centre-back with Premier League experience. Currently plying his trade at Dynamo Moscow, a dependable defender, Fabián Balbuena combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's backline. Has earned 45 international caps, scoring 2 goals, building significant international experience. Born in 1991, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
DF Reliable Paraguayan centre-back with strong aerial ability. Currently plying his trade at Krasnodar, a dependable defender, Junior Alonso combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's backline. Has earned 50 international caps, scoring 2 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
DF Currently plying his trade at Libertad, a dependable defender, Alan Benítez combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DF Currently plying his trade at Cerro Porteño, a dependable defender, Blas Riveros combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DF Currently plying his trade at Cerro Porteño, a dependable defender, Gustavo Velázquez combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DF Currently plying his trade at Dynamo Moscow, a dependable defender, Juan José Cáceres combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MF Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder and Paraguay's defensive midfield anchor. Currently plying his trade at Vancouver Whitecaps, an industrious midfielder, Andrés Cubas excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Paraguay. Has earned 20 international caps. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
MF Newcastle United attacker and Paraguay's main creative force. Currently plying his trade at Atlanta United, an industrious midfielder, Miguel Almirón excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Paraguay. Has earned 50 international caps, scoring 10 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
MF Grêmio midfielder and the engine of Paraguay's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Grêmio, an industrious midfielder, Mathías Villasanti excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Paraguay. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
MF Brighton midfielder and a rising star in Paraguay's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Brighton, an industrious midfielder, Diego Gómez excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Paraguay. Has earned 12 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
MF Currently plying his trade at Orlando Pirates, a dependable midfielder, Braian Ojeda brings vision, composure and creativity to the midfield, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MF Currently plying his trade at São Paulo FC, a dependable midfielder, Damián Bobadilla brings vision, composure and creativity to the midfield, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MF Currently plying his trade at Atlanta United, a dependable midfielder, Matías Galarza brings vision, composure and creativity to the midfield, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FW Brighton forward and Paraguay's emerging star. Currently plying his trade at Brighton, a clinical forward, Julio Enciso possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Paraguay's primary attacking threat. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Born in 2004, the 22-year-old is already making waves at the international level, with an exciting career ahead. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
FW River Plate striker and Paraguay's first-choice centre-forward. Currently plying his trade at River Plate, a clinical forward, Adam Bareiro possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Paraguay's primary attacking threat. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 6 goals. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
FW Nottingham Forest winger and one of Paraguay's rising talents. Currently plying his trade at Nottingham Forest, a clinical forward, Ramón Sosa possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Paraguay's primary attacking threat. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
FW LDU Quito forward with lethal aerial ability for Paraguay. Currently plying his trade at Club América, a clinical forward, Alex Arce possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Paraguay's primary attacking threat. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 6 goals. Set to compete with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
FW Currently plying his trade at Torino FC, a dependable forward, Antonio Sanabria possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FW Currently plying his trade at Portsmouth, a dependable forward, Gustavo Caballero possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FW Currently plying his trade at Cuiabá, a dependable forward, Isidro Pitta possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, forming a key part of Paraguay's squad. Set to represent Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group D
GROUP RIVALS — Group D
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FAQ
- What group is Paraguay in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Paraguay are in Group D alongside United States, Australia, Türkiye.
- Who is the head coach of Paraguay?
- The head coach of Paraguay is Gustavo Alfaro.
- When is Paraguay's first World Cup match?
- June 29, 2026 against Germany at Gillette Stadium.
- What is Paraguay's best World Cup finish?
- Paraguay's best result is Quarter-finals, with 8 total appearances.