Paraguay are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and the story of how they got there is almost entirely the story of one decision. After Daniel Garnero's side went winless in their first three CONMEBOL qualifiers and then collapsed at Copa America 2024 without a single point, the federation fired him and handed the job to Gustavo Alfaro. The 63-year-old Argentine, who had previously taken Ecuador to the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022, transformed Paraguay into the most defensively disciplined side in South American qualifying. They went unbeaten in 11 of 12 remaining matches, kept 7 clean sheets, conceded just 10 goals across the entire campaign, and beat Brazil and Argentina at home. Now they go to Group D to face the United States, Türkiye and Australia. Miguel Almirón leads a squad that nobody will enjoy playing against.
How Paraguay Qualified — Alfaro's Rescue Job, Wins Over Brazil and Argentina, 16 Years in the Making
Paraguay's qualifying campaign did not begin — it almost ended. Under Daniel Garnero, they collected just 1 point from their first 3 games, and when Copa America 2024 brought 3 losses, 3 goals scored and 8 conceded without a single win against Colombia, Brazil and Costa Rica, the federation had seen enough. Garnero was dismissed. Gustavo Alfaro was appointed.
What happened next was one of CONMEBOL qualifying's most complete transformations. From Alfaro's first match through the final rounds, Paraguay went unbeaten in 11 of 12 matches. They conceded only 10 goals across all 18 qualifying games — the best defensive record of any automatic qualifier from South America. Most strikingly, they beat both Brazil and Argentina at home, wins that would have seemed impossible during the disastrous Garnero era.
Paraguay finished 6th in the CONMEBOL table with 28 points, securing one of the six automatic berths on Matchday 17 and ending a 16-year absence from the World Cup. Antonio Sanabria was the top scorer with 4 qualifying goals. Julio Enciso added 3 despite his injury interruptions. But the numbers that matter most are the defensive ones: 7 clean sheets, 10 goals conceded, the fewest of any South American team that qualified automatically.
Key Players to Watch
The Official Squad: Almirón Leads, Enciso Defies Injuries Again, Heavy Brazil and Argentina Contingents
In goal, Roberto Fernández of Cerro Porteño leads a three-man group that reflects the Paraguayan domestic league's continued importance to the national team. Orlando Gill of San Lorenzo and Gastón Olveira of Olimpia complete the goalkeeping unit. Alfaro's defensive structure has minimised the goalkeeping burden throughout qualifying, and Fernández enters the tournament with confidence from a strong club campaign.
The back line of seven is anchored by captain Gustavo Gómez, who brings Palmeiras and former AC Milan quality to the heart of Paraguay's defensive organisation. Omar Alderete of Sunderland partners him centrally, with Fabián Balbuena of Gremio providing a third experienced centre-back option. Júnior Alonso of Atletico Mineiro, Juan Caceres of Dynamo Moscow, Jose Canale of Lanus, Alexandro Maidana of Talleres and Gustavo Velázquez of Cerro Porteño provide options across the defensive line. Only three players in the entire squad come from the domestic Paraguayan league; the largest contingent — seven players — plays in Brazil, and six play in Argentina.
The nine midfielders cover the full tactical range of Alfaro's system. Miguel Almirón of Atlanta United is the engine and the emotional leader, his 73 caps making him the squad's most experienced outfield player. Diego Gómez of Brighton provides the Premier League technical quality. Ramón Sosa and Maurício, both at Palmeiras, bring Brazilian club rhythm. Damián Bobadilla of São Paulo, Andrés Cubas of Vancouver Whitecaps, Braian Ojeda of Orlando City, Matías Galarza of Atlanta United and Kaku of Al Ain complete a diverse midfield group spread across South America, North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Six forwards compete for the starting places alongside Sanabria. Julio Enciso of Strasbourg is the most dangerous and the most unpredictable, a player whose injury history has done nothing to diminish his talent or his audacity. Gabriel Ávalos and Alex Arce both play at Independiente clubs in Argentina. Isidro Pitta of Red Bull Bragantino adds Brazilian-based firepower. Gustavo Caballero of Portsmouth brings English Championship experience. This is a squad that has never been particularly prolific — just 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches — but has compensated with organisation and defensive solidity that makes every point hard to concede.
Group D: USA in Los Angeles, Türkiye in the Bay Area, Australia in Los Angeles
Paraguay have been drawn in Group D alongside the United States, Türkiye and Australia, with all three matches on the US West Coast. They face the USA on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — the opening game of the group and the highest-profile match on Paraguay's schedule. Türkiye follow on June 19 at Levi's Stadium in the Bay Area. Australia close out the group stage in Los Angeles.
In the 48-team format, three sides from each group advance to the Round of 32. Paraguay are realistic candidates for second or third in a group where the USA are strong favourites. Alfaro's defensive identity makes Paraguay difficult to beat for any opponent, and Almirón's ability to create chances from nothing in transition means they will threaten even well-organised defences. The opener against the United States on home-away soil for neither team sets the tone for Paraguay's entire tournament.
World Cup History
One to Watch — Miguel Almirón
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