Paraguay compete in Group Four of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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Copa América winners in 1953 and 1979
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Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals in 2010
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FIFA ranking: 40
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Last World Cup appearance: 2010
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Nickname: La Albirroja (The Red and White)
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Top clubs: Olimpia Asunción, Cerro Porteño, Libertad
Qualification: With one round of South American qualifying remaining, Paraguay secured their place thanks to a goalless draw with Ecuador, who had already qualified. During the campaign, they recorded a notable 2–1 win over Lionel Messi's Argentina in Asunción in November 2024.
Coach: Argentine Gustavo Alfaro led Ecuador at the 2022 World Cup but could not get them past the group stage despite wins and draws. After less than a year in charge of Costa Rica, he took over Paraguay and guided them to qualification, losing just once in his 12 qualifying matches — 1–0 to Brazil.
Star player: Julio Enciso lit up Strasbourg throughout this season, both in Ligue 1 and the Europa Conference League — where the Alsace club reached the semi-finals. With 12 goals and nine assists, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder delivered an excellent second half of the season after a difficult start under former coach Liam Rosenior. He then flourished under compatriot Gary O'Neil and heads into the World Cup in full confidence.
Ambitions: After sixteen years away, Paraguay can dare to dream of escaping a group containing the United States, Turkey, and Australia, on the back of a strong qualifying campaign.