CONMEBOL · Group D
Paraguay at FIFA World Cup 2026
Paraguay qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group D opponents
Paraguay plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Paraguay fixtures
Paraguay in the tournament
Paraguay arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #38 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 66/100. CONMEBOL (South America) sends 6 teams. Brazil and Argentina are the historical heavyweights, having won 7 of the 22 World Cups between them.
The 48-team format puts Paraguay in Group D with United States, Australia, Türkiye. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #27, with Paraguay the lowest-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Paraguay squad for World Cup 2026
Announced June 1, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Paraguay return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence (last appeared 2010 quarter-finals). Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro -- who took Ecuador to 2022 -- leads. Newcastle's Miguel Almiron and Brighton's Julio Enciso provide Premier League quality; veteran Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras) anchors the defense. Open against USA in Los Angeles on June 12.
Goalkeepers3
- Gatito Fernandez(Cerro Porteno)
- Orlando Gill(San Lorenzo)
- Gaston Olveira(Olimpia)
Defenders8
- Gustavo GomezCaptain(Palmeiras)
- Junior Alonso(Atletico Mineiro)
- Fabian Balbuena(Gremio)
- Omar Alderete(Sunderland)
- Juan Jose Caceres(Dynamo Moscow)
- Gustavo Velazquez(Cerro Porteno)
- Jose Canale(Lanus)
- Alexandro Maidana(Talleres)
Midfielders9
- Miguel Almiron(Atlanta United)
- Kaku(Al Ain)
- Andres Cubas(Vancouver Whitecaps)
- Ramon Sosa(Palmeiras)
- Diego Gomez(Brighton)
- Damian Bobadilla(Sao Paulo)
- Braian Ojeda(Orlando City)
- Matias Galarza(Atlanta United)
- Mauricio(Palmeiras)
Forwards6
- Antonio Sanabria(Cremonese)
- Julio Enciso(Strasbourg)
- Gabriel Avalos(Independiente)
- Alex Arce(Independiente Rivadavia)
- Isidro Pitta(Red Bull Bragantino)
- Gustavo Caballero(Portsmouth)
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Al Jazeera. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about Paraguay
When does Paraguay play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Paraguay plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 13, 2026. The opener is against USA. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Paraguay in at the World Cup 2026?
Paraguay is in Group D alongside United States, Australia, Türkiye. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Paraguay's FIFA ranking?
Paraguay entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #38 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 50 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Paraguay win the World Cup 2026?
Paraguay's pre-tournament strength rating is 66/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are competitive group-stage participants; advancing to the knockouts would be a strong tournament. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.