Paraguay are back – and they have earned it the hard way. Three consecutive failed qualifying campaigns made the 16-year wait between their 2010 and 2026 World Cup appearances one of the most painful periods in the nation’s football history.
Under Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro – known across South America as the Hunter of Impossible Utopias – Paraguay rebuilt their identity from the ground up. Defensive solidity, tactical discipline and quick transitions define this side.
How they got there
Paraguay qualified by finishing sixth in CONMEBOL with 28 points – the same total as Brazil – finishing eight points clear of Bolivia in seventh.
Alfaro’s side were not spectacular but they were resilient – grinding out results against stronger opponents and defending with the kind of organisation that makes them a difficult proposition for any team.
Antonio Sanabria was the standout performer in qualifying, scoring four goals including the equaliser in a famous 2-1 home win against runaway group winners Argentina.
Best ever World Cup finish
Paraguay’s greatest World Cup achievement came in 2010 in South Africa when they reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
They eliminated Japan on penalties in the Round of 16 before losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain. It remains the benchmark for Paraguayan football.
Before 2010 Paraguay had qualified for four consecutive World Cups between 1998 and 2010 – never advancing beyond the Round of 16 in any of those campaigns.
Iconic moments
The 2010 quarter-final run captured the imagination of an entire continent. Goalkeeper Justo Villar was outstanding throughout and Oscar Cardozo converted crucial penalties as Paraguay beat Japan to reach the last eight.
Off the pitch, Jose Luis Chilavert – the iconic goalkeeper who scored penalties and free kicks for his country – remains the most celebrated figure in Paraguayan football history.
Players to watch
Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) – Paraguay’s most recognisable player and primary creative force. The 32-year-old returned to his homeland after leaving Newcastle United and arrives at the World Cup combining technical quality, energy and six seasons of Premier League experience.
Julio Enciso (Strasbourg) – The most exciting young talent in the squad. The 21-year-old joined Strasbourg on loan from Brighton in 2025 and scored three goals in qualifying. His direct running and fearlessness make him Paraguay’s most dangerous attacking threat.
Fixtures
13 Jun: USA vs Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 03:00 SAST
20 Jun: Turkey vs Paraguay – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara – 05:00 SAST
26 Jun: Paraguay vs Australia – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara – 04:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo/File Photo
