World Cup 2026 Paraguay: Back After 16 Years, Facing the USA

PARAGUAY · WORLD CUP

After more than a decade away, Paraguay are back on football’s biggest stage — and they could hardly have drawn a tougher opening night than the co-hosts in their own backyard.

World Cup 2026 Paraguay end a 16-year wait

For Paraguay, simply being here is a triumph. The Albirroja missed three straight World Cups before sealing South America’s last direct ticket, finishing sixth in the marathon CONMEBOL qualifiers.

It is their ninth appearance at the finals and their first since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals. That run remains the high-water mark for a proud footballing nation.

The long absence sharpened the sense of occasion back home. A generation of fans has grown up without seeing Paraguay at a World Cup, and that drought now ends in Los Angeles.

Alfaro’s defensive blueprint

The rebuild is the work of Gustavo Alfaro, the Argentine coach who previously took Ecuador to the 2022 finals and has gone unbeaten in competitive qualifying since taking charge. He has drilled Paraguay into a compact, hard-to-beat side that prizes organisation above all.

The numbers tell the story, with Paraguay conceding only around ten goals across qualifying. They led the region in clearances and aerial duels, a nod to their old-school physical strength.

Captain Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete anchor a rugged back line. In front of them, Andrés Cubas and Damián Bobadilla do the unglamorous work of shielding the defence and winning second balls.

Where the goals come from

Paraguay’s threat lives on the counter and at set pieces. Miguel Almirón, a familiar face from his Premier League and Major League Soccer days, supplies the pace to punish teams in transition.

Creative spark Julio Enciso and midfielder Diego Gómez add invention through the lines. Up top, Antonio Sanabria offers a focal point for a side that does not need many chances to score.

Facing the co-hosts at SoFi

Standing in the way are the United States, who open their home World Cup under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine coach has built his side around Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and striker Folarin Balogun.

The Americans will dominate the ball and press high in front of a partisan crowd at the 70,000-seat SoFi Stadium. Defender Chris Richards has been carrying an injury, one of the few clouds over their build-up.

There is recent history here, too. The United States beat Paraguay two-one in a friendly late last year, though both sides rested several key names that night.

What is at stake in Group D

Group D also features Türkiye and Australia, and under the new format up to three teams can reach the knockout rounds. That math raises the value of a strong start for everyone involved.

Paraguay then meet Türkiye on June 19 in the San Francisco Bay Area and Australia on June 25. A point or more against the hosts would set up those games perfectly.

The expanded field gives even tight groups a little margin for error. But opening against the co-hosts means Paraguay cannot afford to sit back and hope.

Why it matters

For Latin American fans, Paraguay’s return adds another flag to a strong regional contingent. Their gritty, defensive style makes them an awkward opponent for anyone in a tournament.

A result against a co-host on opening weekend would announce that Paraguay belong again. After 16 years in the cold, that statement alone would mean a great deal in Asunción.

Paraguay have long punched above their weight on the continental stage. This tournament is a chance to remind a global audience of that pedigree.

Why this opener carried weight

Opening games set the tone for a group, and under the 48-team format a strong start eases the path to the last 32. Both sides knew three points would shape the rest of their schedule.

For the United States as co-hosts, the opener also carried the weight of expectation at home. A demanding tournament starts with managing that pressure.

The co-host factor

As co-hosts, the United States open in front of their own crowds and with a long runway of preparation. That support is an asset and a source of pressure in equal measure.

Paraguay, by contrast, arrive as the side with less to lose. Underdog freedom can be its own advantage on the big stage.

More: Paraguay news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where do Paraguay play the United States?

The Group D match is on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Kick-off times are confirmed on FIFA’s official schedule.

How long has Paraguay been away from the World Cup?

This is Paraguay’s first finals since 2010, a 16-year absence. It is their ninth World Cup appearance overall.

Who is Paraguay’s coach?

Argentine Gustavo Alfaro leads Paraguay, having previously coached Ecuador at the 2022 World Cup. He favours a disciplined, defensive approach.

Who are Paraguay’s key players?

Captain Gustavo Gómez marshals the defence, while Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso carry the attacking threat. Andrés Cubas anchors the midfield.

Who else is in Group D?

Group D contains the United States, Paraguay, Türkiye and Australia. Under the expanded format, up to three of them can advance.

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