Paraguay

Paraguay — La Albirroja — return to the FIFA World Cup after missing the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions. They are drawn into Group D alongside co-hosts USA, Australia, and Turkiye.

The group is challenging but not impossible. The USA at home are clear favorites, Turkiye have genuine quality, and Australia are a tough opponent. Paraguay's best path forward runs through the Australia match and a potential upset of either Turkiye or the USA.

Why this group matters: Paraguay's return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence is significant for South American football. A nation that reached the quarterfinals in 2010 has struggled to produce top talent in recent years, and 2026 represents a chance to rebuild the program's global reputation.

Opening against the USA at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will be hostile. Turkiye on Matchday 2 is the swing match. Australia on Matchday 3 in the Bay Area is the must-win fixture for Paraguay's advancement hopes.

Paraguay have appeared in 8 FIFA World Cups:

• Best finish: Quarterfinals (2010)
• 2010 in South Africa: Paraguay's greatest World Cup performance. They topped their group ahead of Italy and reached the quarterfinals before losing 1-0 to Spain (the eventual champions). Goalkeeper Justo Villar's penalty save against Japan in the Round of 16 was a defining moment.
• 2002: Advanced to the Round of 16 with the "Miracle of Suwon" — a late goal from Roque Santa Cruz against Slovenia.
• 1998: Reached the Round of 16 under Carlos Gamarra's leadership.
• Notable absence: Paraguay failed to qualify for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, ending a run of four consecutive appearances.

Paraguay's World Cup identity is built on defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and the ability to grind out results. They are not flashy, but they are hard to beat.

Gustavo Alfaro leads Paraguay into their return to the World Cup. His approach reflects traditional Paraguayan football values: defensive solidity, physicality, and counter-attacking efficiency.

Paraguay typically set up in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 that prioritizes compactness and discipline. The team defends deep, contests every aerial ball, and looks to spring Almiron and Enciso on the counter when opponents overcommit.

• Defensive aggression — hard tackles, aerial battles, and limiting space
• Quick transitions through Almiron's pace
• Set-piece efficiency — Paraguay's height advantage is weaponized from corners and free kicks
• Goalkeeper reliability — historically one of Paraguay's great strengths

Paraguayan football fans bring South American passion with a distinctly Guarani twist. Football is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of this landlocked nation.

• Guarani spirit: Paraguay's indigenous Guarani heritage influences everything, including football culture. Chants mix Spanish and Guarani phrases, creating a unique soundscape.
• Passionate underdog mentality: Paraguayan fans embrace their role as underdogs and celebrate defensive grit as fervently as attacking brilliance.
• Diaspora in the Americas: Paraguayan communities exist in Argentina, Brazil, and increasingly the United States (particularly in the New York/New Jersey area). Expect vocal support at MetLife Stadium.
• Terere culture: The traditional cold yerba mate drink is a constant at Paraguayan football gatherings, both in stadiums and during viewing parties at home.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Paraguay are the ultimate hard-to-beat South American team. They will not dazzle you with tiki-taka, but they will frustrate, compete, and occasionally spring a result that nobody saw coming. The 2010 quarterfinal run proves they belong at this level.

Paraguay will need to beat Australia and take something from either the USA or Turkiye to advance. It is possible but will require peak defensive performances.

Prediction: Group stage exit. Paraguay are likely the third or fourth-best team in Group D. They will compete in every match and could surprise Turkiye or Australia, but the squad lacks the depth and attacking quality to consistently produce results at this level. A Round of 32 appearance via the third-place route is the optimistic ceiling.