Paraguay has ended a 12-year wait for a World Cup appearance by announcing a 26-man squad that blends experience with emerging talent. The selection, confirmed by the Paraguay national team management, features a mix of players plying their trade across Europe and the Americas, with Brighton’s Diego Gomez and Sunderland’s Omar Alderete underscoring the squad’s Premier League connections.
The South American nation secured the final automatic qualification spot from CONMEBOL, finishing sixth in the fiercely competitive South American qualifying group. This marks Paraguay’s first World Cup since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa, and the return has ignited hope of a new golden generation. The squad is headlined by Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron, the former Newcastle United midfielder whose pace and creativity will be vital in unlocking defenses. Almiron’s experience in Major League Soccer and the Premier League makes him one of the squad’s most influential figures.
Joining Almiron in attack is Julio Enciso, the Strasbourg forward on loan from Brighton, who burst onto the scene with his dazzling dribbling and long-range strikes. Enciso’s versatility and fearlessness could make him a secret weapon for Paraguay, especially in a group where they will face co-hosts the United States, Turkey, and Australia. Defender Omar Alderete, meanwhile, enters the tournament on a high after helping Sunderland secure European football next season, while midfielder Diego Gomez was instrumental in Brighton’s own push for continental competition.
The squad also includes players who may not be household names but bring crucial depth. Gustavo Caballero, the Portsmouth midfielder from the English Championship, adds steel and experience, while goalkeeper Roberto Junior Fernandez of Cerro Porteno is expected to anchor the defense. The blend of domestic-based players from clubs like Olimpia and Palmeiras with those in Europe provides a tactical flexibility that could serve Paraguay well against varied opponents.
Paraguay’s Group D opener against the United States on June 13 is laden with narrative. Facing a co-host in the tournament’s early stages will test their nerve, but it also offers a chance to make an immediate statement. The USMNT, boosted by home advantage and a talented young core, will be favorites, but Paraguay’s resilience and counter-attacking style could pose problems. Games against Turkey and Australia later in the group phase will be equally challenging, with Turkey’s technical midfield and Australia’s physicality demanding different answers from Paraguay’s setup.
The inclusion of players like Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso reflects a broader strategy to blend youthful energy with the grit that defined Paraguay’s past World Cup runs. Almiron, who made 110 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, is the team’s catalyst, able to drift between the lines and create chances. Enciso, still only 21, has already shown for Brighton and Strasbourg that he can change games in an instant—his stunning goal against Manchester City last season a reminder of his talent.
Defensively, Alderete’s loan spell at Sunderland has seen him develop into a commanding center-back, a role he will likely reprise for his country. Alongside the experienced Fabian Balbuena of Gremio, Paraguay hope to tighten a backline that conceded just 14 goals in 18 qualifiers, the second-best defensive record in CONMEBOL. This solidity will be crucial against the attacking threats of the USA’s Christian Pulisic or Turkey’s Hakan Calhanoglu.
The squad’s depth is further illustrated by the inclusion of Alexandro Maidana from Talleres and Juan Jose Caceres of Dinamo Moscow, both capable options in defense. In midfield, Andres Cubas of Vancouver Whitecaps and Mathias Galarza from Atlanta United provide energy and ball-winning ability, while the forward line boasts options like Antonio Sanabria of Cremonese and Ramon Sosa of Palmeiras. This diversity allows the coaching staff to adapt formations depending on the opposition.
Paraguay’s World Cup return is not just about the players; it’s a moment of national pride for a football-mad country that has endured a lengthy absence from the world stage. The 2010 quarter-final run remains a high-water mark, and there is quiet confidence that this squad can surpass it. The qualification campaign was a grind, with crucial wins over Chile and Colombia sealing their fate, and the team’s defensive organization was a hallmark.
Fans will be eager to see if the young stars can deliver on their potential. Diego Gomez, at 21, is one of the most promising midfielders in South America, and his development at Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi has been closely watched. His ability to break lines with passing and his work rate could be the key to Paraguay’s midfield balance. Similarly, Julio Enciso’s journey from Libertad to the Premier League has been a fairy tale, and a strong World Cup could elevate his profile further.
Group D is far from straightforward, but Paraguay have the tools to advance. The USA will be under immense pressure as co-hosts, while Turkey and Australia are no pushovers. Yet Paraguay’s recent friendly results and qualifying resilience suggest they can compete. The opening match against the USA, set for 02:00 BST on June 13, will be a high-stakes encounter that could set the tone for their campaign. If they can frustrate the hosts and capitalize on set pieces or counter-attacks, a positive result is attainable.
The squad announcement has sparked excitement across Paraguay, with supporters hopeful that the blend of seasoned campaigners and hungry youngsters can rekindle the spirit of 2010. Head coach faces tough decisions in picking a starting XI, but the competition for places is a positive sign. With the tournament just weeks away, all eyes will be on Almiron, Enciso, and company to deliver on the biggest stage. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
