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.

Days to Kick-off

11 June 2026

WC 2026 Kick-off

World Cup
Appearances

Best Result
2002

Years Since
Last WC

WC 2026
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.