Paraguay’s Long-Awaited Return. The Road to the 2026 World Cup

After 16 years in the wilderness, Paraguay are back on the world’s biggest stage. Their return to the World Cup is the nation’s first since 2010 which ends a long and frustrating absence for one of South America’s proud footballing nations. It hasn’t always been pretty getting here, but this campaign was built on grit, proper defensive structure, and a couple of massive results against the continent’s heavyweights.

A Slow Start and a Remarkable Recovery

CONMEBOL were the first confederation to get their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign underway, and fittingly, Paraguay were involved right from the start against Peru. But things didn’t click early on. They picked up just one point from their opening three matches, and it felt like déjà vu for fans who had seen previous campaigns fall apart.

Instead of folding, though, Paraguay dug in. This side found its rhythm the hard way by becoming difficult to beat and clinical when it mattered. The real turning point came at home, where they made Asunción a proper fortress. Wins over Brazil (1-0) and Argentina (2-1) weren’t just big results,  they were statements. In a CONMEBOL format where everyone plays everyone home and away over 18 matches, those kinds of wins are gold.

They ultimately secured one of the automatic qualification spots, finishing just a point behind Ecuador in a tightly contested table. It was close all the way through, but Paraguay held their nerve when it counted.

The Man Who Turned Things Around

A lot of the credit has to go to head coach Gustavo Alfaro, who came in and immediately brought stability. He’s no stranger to South American football, having guided Ecuador to the 2022 World Cup, and he’s done something similar here built a side that knows exactly what it is.

Paraguay aren’t about flair and flashy football. Under Alfaro, they’re organised, disciplined, and tough to break down. It’s not always entertaining, but it’s effective and in tournament football, that counts for plenty.

Group D: The Challenge Ahead

Paraguay have been drawn into Group D alongside the United States, Australia, and a UEFA playoff winner. It’s a group that doesn’t scream “group of death,” but it’s definitely not a walk in the park either.

The opening clash against the USA will be key, especially with the Americans playing on home soil. That said, this is a group Paraguay will quietly fancy. There’s no outright giant here, and with their defensive setup, they’re exactly the kind of team that can frustrate opponents and grind out results. A place in the knockout rounds is very much on the table.

Players to Watch

Miguel Almirón remains the heartbeat of this team. Now back with Atlanta United after his spell at Newcastle United, he’s still the guy who sets the tempo with his energy and work rate. He might not always grab headlines, but everything flows through him.

Antonio Sanabria had a strong qualifying campaign and proved he can deliver when it matters. He’s not the flashiest striker out there, but he knows where the goal is and tends to pop up in big moments.

Julio Enciso is the one that gets fans excited. Still young, still developing, but full of creativity and confidence. If Paraguay are going to surprise a few teams, he’ll likely be at the centre of it.

At the back, Gustavo Gómez is the leader. Solid, experienced, and no-nonsense is exactly what you want in tournament football. Alongside him, Diego Gómez is another player on the rise, bringing energy and quality in midfield.

A Nation Reunited with the World Stage

For Paraguay, this isn’t just about qualifying, it’s about getting back to where they feel they belong. Three failed campaigns hurt, no doubt about it, but this squad has rebuilt that identity.

They’re not favourites, and they won’t try to be. But they’re organised, battle-tested, and more than capable of causing problems. Don’t be surprised if Paraguay becomes one of those teams nobody enjoys playing and maybe even sneak a bit deeper into the tournament than expected.

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