Paraguay have secured their place in the 2026 World Cup by returning to their traditional strengths: defensive resilience and collective intensity. After years of struggling with a possession-based style that yielded little success, the team underwent a transformation under Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, who took over in August 2024. His philosophy was clear from the start: "Paraguayan DNA, intensity and clean sheets. That's what will take us to the World Cup."
The Tactical Approach
Alfaro has predominantly employed a 4-4-2 formation, only switching to a back five for high-altitude matches against Ecuador and Bolivia. At the World Cup, he is expected to stick with the classic 4-4-2, occasionally shifting to a 4-2-3-1. The team's defensive solidity has been key, with heroic draws away in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Qualification was sealed with a tense 0-0 draw at home against Ecuador, sparking nationwide celebrations and a public holiday declared by President Santiago Peña.
The Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Alfaro retired as a player in 1992 to focus on coaching. He gained fame by leading Arsenal de Sarandí to Copa Sudamericana and Argentine Primera División titles, earning a reputation as a defensive specialist. He once said, "If I want to build an offensive team, the first thing I have to do is work on defensive discipline." Alfaro also led Ecuador to the 2022 World Cup and authored a book titled Cazadores de Utopías Imposibles (Hunters of Impossible Utopias).
Star Player: Julio Enciso
Julio Enciso, known as "La Joya" (The Jewel), is one of Paraguay's most talented players in two decades. After debuting for the national team at 17, he moved to Brighton in the Premier League, scoring a Puskás Award-worthy goal against Manchester City. Injuries and managerial changes affected his impact, but he has revived his career at Strasbourg. Fast and direct, Enciso is a game-changer in the final third. He dedicated his World Cup qualification to his late grandfather.
One to Watch: Damián Bobadilla
Unlike his father, former goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla, Damián Bobadilla became a midfielder. He emerged at Cerro Porteño in 2021 and now plays for São Paulo in Brazil. A box-to-box midfielder with physicality, calmness, and intelligent decision-making, the 24-year-old is poised for a bigger move if he continues his current form.
Unsung Hero: Andrés Cubas
Andrés Cubas provides balance and tenacity in midfield. Though only 5ft 6in, his intelligence and positioning make him crucial for winning duels and initiating counterattacks. Born in Argentina, he chose to represent Paraguay to honor his mother, who was born there.
Probable Starting XI
The likely lineup features a 4-4-2 formation with a strong defensive core and Enciso providing creativity.
Fan Expectations
Travel agencies are offering round-trip packages to the US for all three group matches, starting at $20,000—a huge sum given the average monthly wage of $450. Nonetheless, thousands of Paraguayans are expected to travel after a 16-year absence, filling stadiums with red, white, and blue and chanting "La Albirroja!"
Relationship with the US
Paraguay and the US have long been allies. President Peña called Trump's reelection "a dream come true," though Trump made an awkward comment about Peña's appearance. Despite this, relations remain strong.
