Paraguay at WC 2026

Everything You Need to Know About La Albirroja

Group D
United States
Australia
Turkiye

Ranking

40th

Best WC

QF

WC apps

9

Titles

0

Paraguay's La Albirroja are set to compete at the WC 2026 in North America. Drawn in Group D alongside United States, Australia and Turkiye, the Paraguayan national team will look to make their mark at the expanded 48-team tournament. Paraguay qualified through the CONMEBOL European Qualifiers and now return to football's biggest stage. The tournament kicks off on 11 June and runs through 19 July across stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Napoleon Sports offers comprehensive coverage of all WC 2026 matches with pre-match and live betting markets.

The WC 2026 will be the largest ever, with 48 nations competing across 12 groups. Among the tournament favourites are Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France and several other world-class teams. For Paraguay, the goal is to navigate Group D and earn a place in the Round of 32. Follow all fixtures at WC 2026 schedule page.

The Road to WC 2026: How Paraguay Qualified

Paraguay qualified for the WC 2026 through CONMEBOL European Qualifiers , finishing in 6th with 28 points . Paraguay only lost one game in their final 12 the tournament qualifying matches after a poor start to the campaign.

"Qualifying for the tournament was our primary objective. Now we must prepare to compete against the best teams in the world on the biggest stage."

- Gustavo Alfaro

Coach Gustavo Alfaro guided the team through qualifying, with the Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol overseeing Paraguay's successful campaign to reach football's biggest stage.

This marks Paraguay's 9th appearance at the tournament. Their the tournament history includes memorable moments that have shaped the nation's footballing identity. For the latest news and squad updates, BBC Sport Paraguay provides comprehensive coverage of La Albirroja throughout the tournament.

Bet on Paraguay at the WC 2026

Paraguay's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026

Paraguay enter the tournament ranked 40th in the world. Group D presents a mixed challenge with United States, Australia, Turkiye as opponents. Napoleon Sports offers markets on Paraguay to qualify from the group, exact group finish, and outright tournament odds.

Outright winner market

Paraguay to Win WC 2026

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Best Betting Markets and Predictions for Paraguay

Beyond the outright winner market, there are several interesting betting options for Paraguay. The to qualify from group market is competitive given that two teams plus the best third-placed sides advance from each group. Player-specific markets such as anytime goalscorer bets offer value, particularly on the squad's key attacking players. Use the BetBuilder to combine selections for Paraguay's group matches.

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How Far Can Paraguay Go? Realistic Expectations

Paraguay is considered one of the lesser-fancied squads in the tournament, but they have shown the ability to produce shocks, including beating Argentina and. Napoleon Sports offers markets on Paraguay to reach specific tournament rounds. The expanded format with a Round of 32 means that finishing in the top two of Group D, or as one of the eight best third-placed teams, is enough to advance.

Follow Paraguay at WC 2026 on the Napoleon Sports App

Stay on top of every Paraguayan match, live odds shift and squad update directly from your phone. The Napoleon Sports app gives you real-time access to all the tournament action.

How to Follow the WC 2026 on the Napoleon Sports App

1

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2

Find WC 2026

Navigate to the dedicated tournament section with all group matches, knockout fixtures and live odds.

3

Follow Paraguay

Set Paraguay as your favourite team for push notifications, lineup news and live score updates via SuperSocial.

Paraguay's Squad for WC 2026

Paraguay's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Gustavo Alfaro ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.

Goalkeepers

1FernandezCerro Porteño 12GillCA San Lorenzo 22OlveiraClub Olimpia

Defenders

2VelazquezCerro Porteño 3AldereteSunderland AFC 4CaceresFC Dynamo Moscow 5BalbuenaGrêmio FBPA 6AlonsoAtlético Mineiro 13CanaleCA Lanús 15GomezSE Palmeiras 26MaidanaCA Talleres

Midfielders

7SosaSE Palmeiras 8GomezBrighton & Hove Albion FC 10AlmironAtlanta United FC 11MauricioSE Palmeiras 14CubasVancouver Whitecaps FC 16BobadillaSão Paulo FC 20OjedaOrlando City SC 23GalarzaAtlanta United FC 24CaballeroPortsmouth FC

Forwards

9SanabriaUS Cremonese 17Romero GamarraAl Ain FC 18ArceCS Independiente Rivadavia 19EncisoRC Strasbourg 21AvalosCA Independiente 25PittaRed Bull Bragantino

Goalkeepers

Fernandez

38 - Cerro Porteño

Vastly experienced shot-stopper, the senior figure between the sticks. Currently at Cerro Porteño, age 38.

Olveira

33 - Club Olimpia

Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Club Olimpia, age 33.

Gill

26 - CA San Lorenzo

Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at CA San Lorenzo, age 26.

Defenders

Velazquez

35 - Cerro Porteño

Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at Cerro Porteño, age 35.

Alderete

29 - Sunderland AFC

Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at Sunderland AFC, age 29.

Maidana

20 - CA Talleres

Emerging defender pushing into the senior set-up, athletic and reading the game well. Currently at CA Talleres, age 20.

Midfielders

Almiron

32 - Atlanta United FC

Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at Atlanta United FC, age 32.

Mauricio

24 - SE Palmeiras

Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at SE Palmeiras, age 24.

Gomez

23 - Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Talented midfielder still rising, with the technical quality to influence games. Currently at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, age 23.

Forwards

Avalos

35 - CA Independiente

Experienced forward whose finishing instinct remains the squad's main goal threat. Currently at CA Independiente, age 35.

Arce

30 - CS Independiente Rivadavia

Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at CS Independiente Rivadavia, age 30.

Enciso

22 - RC Strasbourg

Rising star up front, blending speed with the confidence to take on the world's best. Currently at RC Strasbourg, age 22.

Last 5 Matches: Paraguay's Recent Form

Date Match Result Type Competition
2026-03-31 Paraguay vs. Morocco 1-2 L Friendly Friendlies
2026-03-27 Paraguay vs. Greece 1-0 W Friendly Friendlies
2025-11-18 Paraguay vs. Mexico 2-1 W Friendly Friendlies
2025-11-15 Paraguay vs. USA 1-2 L Friendly Friendlies
2025-10-14 Paraguay vs. Korea Republic 0-2 L Friendly Friendlies

Paraguay's recent form shows 2 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses from the last 5 matches heading into the tournament. Coach Gustavo Alfaro has used these fixtures to fine-tune his squad selection and tactical approach ahead of the tournament.

Paraguay in Group D: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums

Paraguay have been drawn in Group D alongside United States, Australia, Turkiye. The group stage presents both challenges and opportunities for La Albirroja as they aim to secure one of the qualification spots for the Round of 32.

Match Date Stadium CEST EEST BRT
Paraguay vs. United States Fri 12 Jun SoFi Stadium, Inglewood 03:00+1 04:00+1 22:00
Paraguay vs. Australia Fri 19 Jun the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara 04:00+1 05:00+1 23:00
Paraguay vs. Turkiye Thu 25 Jun the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara 04:00+1 05:00+1 23:00

Head-to-Head: Paraguay vs. Group D Opponents

Paraguay vs. United States: This Group D encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Paraguay vs. Australia: This Group D encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Paraguay vs. Turkiye: This Group D encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Paraguay's Head Coach for WC 2026

Gustavo Alfaro (Argentine, born 1962) leads Paraguay into the WC 2026. Led Olimpo to Primera B Nacional Apertura 2001 championship. led Quilmes to promotion in 2003. won 2012 Clausura with Arsenal de Sarandí. coached Ecuador at 2022 World Cup. coached Costa Rica. He aims for Paraguay to be a team nobody wants to face, known for fighting harder than anyone else with an unfaltering spirit.

His record with Paraguay stands at 6W-5D-1L, reflecting the progress made under his leadership.

Paraguay's Official Kits for WC 2026

HOME KIT

Puma - Red and white

The home kit features red and white stripes with a textured, speckled graphic resembling the "tierra colorada" (red earth) of Paraguay, complemented by a royal.

AWAY KIT

Puma - Dark navy and teal; bright blue

The away kit has a dark navy or black base with a vibrant teal and bright blue abstract, liquid-like or smoke-effect graphic pattern across the torso.

Paraguay's WC History and Records

Paraguay have appeared at 9 World Cups in total, with their first appearance at the tournament coming in 1930. Their best finish was Quarter-finals 2010.

9

WC appearances

QF

Best finish

1930

First appearance

0

Titles

Paraguay at the 2022 World Cup

Paraguay did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Memorable WC Moments for Paraguay

Historic moment: Goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert nearly scored from a direct free kick against Bulgaria in the 1998 the tournament, a historic moment for a goalkeeper.

Iconic achievement: In 2010, Paraguay reached the quarter-finals for the first time, losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain.

All-time top scorer: Roque Santa Cruz;32 goals. Most capped player: Paulo da Silva;148 caps. Top WC scorer: Nelson Cuevas;3 goals. For the latest squad values and statistics, check the detailed breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paraguay at the tournament

What group is Paraguay in at WC 2026?

Paraguay are in Group D alongside United States, Australia, Turkiye. The top two teams advance to the Round of 32.

When does Paraguay play their first match?

Paraguay's opening match is against United States on Fri 12 Jun at the Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood. View the odds.

Who is Paraguay's coach at the WC 2026?

Gustavo Alfaro leads Paraguay into the WC 2026.

What is Paraguay's current World Ranking?

Paraguay are currently ranked 40th in the world rankings.

Has Paraguay ever won the tournament?

No, Paraguay has never won the tournament. Their best performance was reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.

How many times has Paraguay played at the tournament?

Paraguay has made nine WC appearances.

What is Paraguay's nickname and what does it mean?

La Albirroja (The White and Red), which refers to the colors of their national flag. They are also known as Los Guaraníes, referencing the indigenous Guarani people.

Who is Paraguay's all-time top scorer?

Roque Santa Cruz holds the scoring record for Paraguay.

Can Paraguay win the WC 2026?

Paraguay is considered one of the lesser-fancied squads in the tournament, but they have shown the ability to produce shocks, including beating Argentina and. Check the latest odds.

Where can I bet on Paraguay at the tournament?

Napoleon Sports offers pre-match and live betting on all Paraguay matches at the WC 2026, including Super Odds and Profit Boost.

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