Paraguay World Cup 2026
La Albirroja are back on the biggest stage after a 16-year absence — their longest wait since the 1950s. Julio Enciso (Brighton) brings electric dribbling, Miguel Almirón (Newcastle) brings Premier League quality, and Gustavo Gómez anchors a defence that dug Paraguay out of the tightest CONMEBOL campaign in years. Group D: USA, Australia await.
Appearances
2002
Last WC
Group
🇵🇾 Paraguay at WC 2026 — Key Storylines
The 16-Year Wait Is Over
Paraguay missed three consecutive World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) — the longest drought in their modern history. Their return in 2026 is a moment of national pride, earned through one of CONMEBOL's tightest qualifying campaigns.
Julio Enciso — The Wonderkid
Brighton forward Julio Enciso burst onto the world stage with a stunning goal against Manchester City in the Premier League. Still just 21 at the 2026 WC, Enciso is Paraguay's biggest attacking weapon and one of the tournament's most exciting young players to watch.
Almirón: PL Legend Chasing WC Dream
Miguel Almirón became a cult hero at Newcastle United and one of the Premier League's most dynamic attacking midfielders. Playing for his nation on the biggest stage is the crowning ambition of his career — and Paraguayan fans are ready to roar.
Gómez: The Wall at the Back
Gustavo Gómez — captain, leader, Fluminense defender — has been the spine of Paraguay's CONMEBOL qualification campaign. His leadership and aerial dominance are the foundation on which any WC run will be built.
2002 QF Legacy — Can They Repeat?
Paraguay's greatest WC moment came in Korea/Japan 2002, where they beat Slovakia and reached the quarter-finals — before a famous defeat to Germany. With Enciso's generation now rising, comparisons to that golden era are inevitable.
Group D: USA on Home Soil
Drawn against host nation USA, Australia and a European qualifier in Group D, Paraguay face their toughest opener against the USMNT. American audiences will be watching — and for Paraguayan-Americans, this is a fixture that crosses communities.
⚽ Key Players to Watch
🎬 Paraguay Highlights & Moments
LIVE NOW | USA v Paraguay | Group Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026™
14 hours ago
Socceroos Into Knockouts | Australia v Paraguay | 2026 World Cup EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS
3 days, 1 hour ago
EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS | Paraguay Prevail Against Türkiye | 2026 World Cup
3 days, 17 hours ago
Extended Highlights | Unstoppable USA Power Past Paraguay | 2026 World Cup
6 days, 17 hours ago
How Three Americans Officiated Argentina-England at FIFA World Cup 2026 | U.S. Soccer Podcast
2 months ago
ALL Paraguay goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 🇵🇾
2 months ago
📰 Paraguay WC 2026 News
Harry Kane admits England’s World Cup 2026 exit ‘hurt more than any other’
· 1 month ago
Brighton planning another masterful signing as Paraguayan wonderkid tracked; Aston Villa also keen
· 1 month ago
Ipswich agree fee for Paraguay forward Enciso
· 2 months, 1 week ago
Argentina commemorate win against England at World Cup 2026 with special day
· 2 months, 2 weeks ago
These World Cup 2026 trends MUST continue this season to make Premier League fun again
· 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Football Weekly’s summer mailbag: World Cup 2026, the off-season and more, part one – video
· 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Football Weekly’s summer mailbag: World Cup 2026, the off-season and more: part one – podcast
· 2 months, 3 weeks ago
David Squires on … the notable people and big moments from World Cup 2026
· 3 months ago
✍️ Paraguay Analysis & Features
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