This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among premier media organizations from the 48 nations that qualified. The tournament kicks off on June 11, and previews are being published daily from three countries.
Strategic Approach
Paraguay secured its spot at the World Cup by returning to fundamental principles: robust defense and a strong team spirit. For many years, the squad struggled with a possession-focused style without achieving success in either defense or offense. However, the arrival of Gustavo Alfaro in August 2024 marked a turning point. From the outset, he emphasized, “Paraguayan DNA, intensity and clean sheets. That’s what will take us to the World Cup.” His assertion has proven accurate.
Alfaro consistently employed a 4-4-2 formation throughout almost all matches, only adopting a back five during the altitude challenges against Ecuador and Bolivia. At the World Cup, he is expected to stick with the traditional 4-4-2, with the possibility of occasionally using a 4-2-3-1 formation.
After taking over from Daniel Garnero, who was dismissed following a disappointing Copa América, Alfaro rejuvenated the team. From his debut match in Montevideo against Uruguay, Paraguay resembled a transformed squad. Victories at home over Brazil and Argentina dispelled doubts about the authenticity of the revamped Albirroja.
Under Alfaro’s leadership, Paraguay managed only one away loss during the qualification campaign, against Brazil. Notable draws were achieved in Bolivia’s high altitude of 4,100m, Ecuador at 2,800m, and the oppressive heat of Barranquilla against Colombia. The qualification was confirmed with a tense 0-0 draw at home against Ecuador, which led to nationwide celebrations and a declaration of a national holiday by President Santiago Peña.
While Paraguay’s core strengths lie in their vigorous play and physicality, they also exhibit skillful football, transitioning smoothly from defense to offense, heavily relying on the dynamic abilities of Julio Enciso.
The Coach
Gustavo Alfaro has sparked a revival within the national team after years of underperformance. He retired as a professional player in 1992 at the age of 30 to focus on coaching. Known for his emphasis on resilience and defensive organization, Alfaro led Arsenal de Sarandí to notable successes, winning the 2007 Copa Sudamericana and the 2012 Argentinian Primera División. These victories have shaped his reputation as a defensive strategist. He once articulated his philosophy using a quote often attributed to former basketball player and executive Pat Riley.
“If I want to build an offensive team, the first thing I have to do is work on defensive discipline, otherwise my ass is going to be out of here.”
One of his crowning achievements was guiding a young Ecuadorian team to the 2022 World Cup. A well-read individual, Alfaro incorporates philosophical references in his press conferences, and he is affectionately known as “I dedicate this to him. He’s surely watching me from heaven.” due to a book he authored after leading La Tri to Qatar, titled Cazadores de Utopías Imposibles, or Hunters of Impossible Utopias.
Key Player
Julio Enciso stands out as one of Paraguay’s most exceptional football talents in the last two decades. Nicknamed La Joya (The Jewel), he showcased his remarkable abilities at Libertad, where the club employed both his mother, a house cleaner, and his father, a street vendor, to entice them to relocate to Asunción when he was just 12. Enciso made his national team debut at 17, subsequently taking the bold step to join the Premier League. He has had memorable moments at Brighton, including a stunning goal against Manchester City that was worthy of a Puskás Award, but injuries and changes in management have affected his consistency.
Recently married, Enciso has embarked on a new chapter in Strasbourg, where he currently plays. His speed and directness make him a pivotal player in the attacking third, and he is a unique talent. Honoring his grandfather, he expressed his long-held dream of playing in a World Cup.
“My dad didn’t have a cape, but he flew from post to post,”
Player to Watch
Damián Bobadilla is another exciting prospect. Unlike his father, former goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla, Damián chose not to follow in his footsteps, and this decision has proven beneficial. He has emerged as a talented midfielder. Bobadilla fondly recalls his father, stating, “La Albirroooo, la Albirroooo, la Albirroja, la Albirroooo!” He made a name for himself at his childhood club Cerro Porteño in 2021, demonstrating the qualities of an elite box-to-box midfielder, including strength, composure, and smart decision-making. Since 2024, he has been a key player for São Paulo in Brazil’s top division, and at 24, he is poised for significant career advancements.
Unsung Hero
Andrés Cubas is crucial to the team’s overall structure. He provides stability, wins duels, and battles for every ball as if it were his last. Primarily functioning as a defensive midfielder, Cubas is also adept at initiating swift transitions into attack upon regaining possession. Originally from Argentina and a former under-20 international for Argentina, Cubas pledged to represent Paraguay, his mother’s homeland, if given the opportunity. Despite standing at just 5ft 6in, his intelligence, positioning, and tenacity compensate for any physical disadvantages.
Expected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Travel agencies across Paraguay are offering round-trip packages to the United States that include tickets to all three group-stage matches, with prices starting at US$20,000 (£15,000). Given that the average monthly salary in Paraguay is approximately $450, this is a significant expense. Nonetheless, thousands of Paraguayan fans are anticipated to attend the World Cup after a 16-year hiatus. The streets of Inglewood and Santa Clara are expected to be adorned with the colors of red, white, and blue—not the stars and stripes, but the traditional Tricolor of Paraguay and the Albirroja jersey. Fans will likely be heard chanting, “It’s always nice to be young and handsome. It doesn’t mean we have to like you,” repeatedly.
US-Paraguay Relations
Paraguay and the United States have maintained a strong alliance, with little indication that this will change. President Santiago Peña, who has been in office since 2023, referred to Donald Trump’s potential reelection as “I don’t like young, handsome men. Women, I like. Men, I don’t have any interest.” while Marco Rubio labeled Peña a “strong American ally.” Earlier this year, however, Trump made comments about Peña, describing him as a “young, handsome guy,” which, upon further reflection, were not as complimentary as they seemed. “It’s always nice to be young and handsome. It doesn’t mean we have to like you,” Trump elaborated. “I don’t like young, handsome men. Women, I like. Men, I don’t have any interest.”
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