World Cup 2026

Paraguay

Guaraní Garra Is Back: Paraguay Returns to Haunt the World

Out at the Round of 16FIFA #50Group D — USA · Australia · Türkiye

FutAve take

The Story

Sixteen years in the wilderness, then a dramatic last-gasp return. Paraguay scraped the final automatic South American berth and arrive at a US-hosted World Cup with something to prove — and a stubborn, counter-punching identity that has humbled bigger names before.

How they qualified

They opened the campaign with a single point from three matches, flirting with elimination before coach Gustavo Alfaro steadied the ship. Crucial home victories against giants Argentina and Brazil typified the resurgence, and a late surge secured sixth place — the last automatic ticket out of South America. Relief, pride, and renewed 'garra guaraní' define the mood.

Why watch

If you love underdog football with a steel spine, Paraguay is your team in Group D. Pitted against the host nation USA, a dangerous Türkiye side, and Australia, every match is a genuine upset opportunity. Alfaro's side defend deep and hit with venom — each game could be a nervy, one-goal thriller that goes down to the wire.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Veteran

Gustavo Gómez

Palmeiras

Gustavo Gómez anchors Paraguay's defence from Palmeiras and leads the squad as captain with a mountain of international experience behind him.

Why they matter

As captain and the defensive cornerstone, Gómez sets the tone for Paraguay's entire identity. Alfaro's pragmatic, low-block system only functions if the centre-back pairing is resolute — and Gómez is the bedrock around which everything is built in Group D.

Watch for

His reading of the game and leadership in moments of sustained pressure from the USMNT or Türkiye's attack. When Paraguay need a vital block, a timely interception or a calm head to see out a lead, all eyes go to the captain.

The Star

Antonio Sanabria

Cremonese

Antonio Sanabria was Paraguay's most decisive attacking weapon during qualification, delivering crucial goals including winners that shaped the campaign.

Why they matter

In a squad that averages goals cautiously and relies on counter-attacking efficiency, Sanabria's ability to conjure moments of quality from limited chances makes him irreplaceable. When Paraguay get their chance in tight Group D matches, he is the man expected to take it.

Watch for

His movement in behind defensive lines and clinical finishing when the opportunity finally arrives. Paraguay will defend for long stretches — Sanabria's sniff for goal in fleeting counter-attacking moments is the team's primary route to victory.

The X-Factor

Julio Enciso

Strasbourg

Julio Enciso is the electric young attacking midfielder at Strasbourg whose direct running and eye for goal lit up qualifying.

Why they matter

Paraguay's system is built on pragmatism, but Enciso is the wild card who can flip a match in an instant. His qualifying contributions proved he can deliver at decisive moments, and on the World Cup stage against a USA or Türkiye defence, that unpredictability is priceless.

Watch for

Explosive drives into the box from midfield and attempts at goal from distance. When Paraguay's defensive shape absorbs pressure and launches quickly, Enciso is the player most likely to produce something nobody expected.

The FutAve Watch

Miguel Almirón

Atlanta United

Miguel Almirón, back in MLS with Atlanta United after beloved Premier League years, brings flair, work rate and experience to Paraguay's right wing.

Why they matter

Almirón's reunion with the national team adds a recognisable, crowd-pleasing dimension to a largely functional side. His ability to press and carry the ball in transition fits Alfaro's counter-attacking blueprint — and his profile gives Paraguay a genuine headline name to build excitement around.

Watch for

His tireless pressing to win the ball high and those trademark darting runs in behind — if Paraguay are going to catch USA or Türkiye cold on the counter in Group D, an Almirón burst down the right could be the spark that starts it.

The Breakout Candidate

Diego Gómez

Brighton & Hove Albion

Diego Gómez is a composed central midfielder cutting his teeth in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, bringing a modern, technical profile to Paraguay's engine room.

Why they matter

In a squad shaped around defensive organisation, Gómez offers something different — the ability to move the ball efficiently under pressure and link defence to attack in tight spaces. His Brighton pedigree signals a player ready to step into the spotlight on the world stage.

Watch for

His composure in central areas when Paraguay are compressed under pressure and his timing in picking passes to release Enciso or Sanabria on the counter. A consistent World Cup performance here could make him one of South America's most wanted midfielders.

FutAve layer