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PARAGUAY

Killers of Giants, Heirs of Guaraní

FIFA Ranking

#37

Team Nickname

La Albirroja

WC26 Expectation

Round of 32

Congrats, Paraguay has Qualified for the 2026 World Cup! There are no tickets available just yet for Paraguay but in the mean time...

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Other Paraguay Team Events

  • Nov15sat
    05:30 PM - International Friendly: United States vs. ParaguaySubaru Park, Chester, PA
    ●12 People Viewing Right Now
  • Nov18tue
    07:00 PM - International Friendly: Mexico vs. ParaguayAlamodome, San Antonio, TX

All 2026 World Cup Matches

TEAM OVERVIEW

In just one year Paraguay have gone from Copa América humiliation to stunning victories over Argentina and Brazil, and have their ninth World Cup appearance to show for it. La Albirroja ended a 16-year World Cup drought with a draw against Ecuador, a fitting outcome given that the 10 goals they surrendered across 18 qualifying matches marked the joint second-best defensive record in South America’s brutal qualifying campaign. With Gustavo Alfaro’s masterful guidance seemingly to thank for the achievement, La Albirroja’s qualification sparked such national euphoria that President Santiago Peña declared a public holiday.

Parking The Bus


Under Alfaro's leadership, Paraguay has evolved from a team that conceded eight goals in three Copa América matches to one of CONMEBOL's most organized defensive units. Their structure relies heavily on the aerial prowess of center-backs Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, and Fabián Balbuena, who dominate both penalty areas during set pieces. The team has also mastered the art of the low block (aka “parking the bus”), frustrating technically superior opponents by maintaining compact defensive lines and forcing them wide before launching rapid counter-attacks through the pace of Ramón Sosa and creativity of captain Miguel Almirón. Paraguay may have scored only 14 goals in qualifying (the joint-lowest among qualified teams), but their defensive record ensures they're never out of contention in any match.

Guaraníes to the Core


La Albirroja’s other nickname, “Los Guaraníes”, alludes to the deep connection between modern Paraguay and the indigenous culture whose language is still spoken by 90% of the population. The team itself is known for conversing in Guaraní to avoid giving away tactical information on the pitch, but the connection shows up in the stands as well. While the word “guarani” literally translates to “warrior”, Paraguay’s culture of collectivism celebrates family, community and respect. Marry that to a fanbase so obsessed with soccer that they shut down the country for a day after qualifying, and you have a match day vibe that turns the passion to 11 while welcoming you like a warm blanket.

A True Team Effort


RParaguay features a pair of current MLS players at both ends of the career arc. On one side sits their captain Miguel Almirón, recently returned to Atlanta United after a six-year stint at Newcastle and playing in his first and potentially only World Cup. On the other is Diego Gómez, the 21-year-old Inter Miami midfielder whose dagger goal lifted La Albirroja over Brazil. But most MLS fans have had fewer opportunities to witness Julio Enciso, the Ipswich attacker whose fearless dribbling is capable of unlocking even the most stubborn defenses. Fitting for a team from Paraguay, all three will need to work in perfect harmony if Paraguay wants to play into July.

Making it Count


Paraguay enters 2026 with one of the tournament's most extreme tactical identities: they scored fewer goals in qualifying than any other qualified team while also boasting CONMEBOL's joint second-best defense. This feast-or-famine approach worked against tired South American opponents over 17 matches, but can Alfaro's ultra-defensive system survive the compressed timeline of tournament football, where one goal can eliminate you? The expanded format helps, as it provides additional opportunity for Paraguay to play the part of disciplined spoiler, but their attacking limitations mean everything depends on manufacturing that moment of magic that transforms a 0-0 draw into a 1-0 giant-killing.

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