The Paraguay World Cup 2026 squad is a tightly selected group of experienced veterans and emerging talents who will represent La Albirroja (Paraguay’s nickname) at the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro named the final roster on June 1, 2026, with Palmeiras defender Gustavo Gomez serving as captain for Paraguay’s return to the global stage after a 16-year absence.
Key Takeaways
- The Paraguay World Cup 2026 squad was officially announced by head coach Gustavo Alfaro on June 1, 2026.
- Palmeiras centre-back Gustavo Gomez will captain the team at their first World Cup since 2010.
- Paraguay opens Group D play against co-host USA in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026.
- The overseas-heavy roster features seven players based in Brazil and six based in Argentina.
- Only three players come from the local Paraguayan league, with forward Isidro Pitta securing the final spot.
Who Is Leading the Paraguay World Cup 2026 Squad?
Gustavo Alfaro serves as the head coach for La Albirroja (Paraguay) heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine manager is 63 years old and tasked with guiding his team through their first major tournament since reaching the quarterfinals in 2010. This tournament marks a historic milestone, as Paraguay returns to the World Cup after a 16-year absence—their longest-ever wait for qualification.
The squad composition reflects a heavy reliance on overseas talent, which provides Alfaro with players accustomed to high-intensity European and South American leagues. Only three of the 26-man roster hails from the local Paraguayan league, while the largest contingents are based in Brazil (7 players) and Argentina (6 players). This strategic selection aims to balance experienced professionals with dynamic young talents ready to make an impact on the world stage.
What Is the Full Roster of the Paraguay World Cup 2026 Team?
The final confirmed roster consists of exactly 26 players, with no open replacement spots available. The lineup was finalized by Alfaro on June 1, 2026, after a tight decision that saw forward Isidro Pitta (Red Bull Bragantino) earn the last spot ahead of Angel Romero, Mathias Villasanti, and Lucas Romero. The squad features a mix of MLS-based players, European talents, and South American professionals who will be crucial to Paraguay’s campaign in Group D.
Goalkeepers
- Gatito Fernandez (Cerro Porteno)
- Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo)
- Gaston Olveira (Olimpia)
Defenders
- Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras) – captain
- Juan Jose Caceres (Dynamo Moscow)
- Gustavo Velazquez (Cerro Porteno)
- Fabian Balbuena (Gremio)
- Junior Alonso (Atletico Mineiro)
- Omar Alderete (Sunderland)
- Jose Canale (Lanus)
- Alexandro Maidana (Talleres)
Midfielders
- Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps)
- Damian Bobadilla (Sao Paulo)
- Diego Gomez (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Matias Galarza (Atlanta United)
- Alejandro Romero Gamarra (Al Ain)
- Braian Ojeda (Orlando City)
- Mauricio Magalhaes (Palmeiras)
Forwards
- Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United)
- Julio Enciso (Strasbourg)
- Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese)
- Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia)
- Ramon Sosa (Palmeiras)
- Gabriel Avalos (Independiente)
- Isidro Pitta (Red Bull Bragantino)
- Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth)
Squad Composition Breakdown
| Categorization | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Confirmed Players | 26 players |
| Open Replacement Spots | 0 (Roster is final) |
| Local League Players | 3 players |
| Brazil-based Players | 7 players |
| Argentina-based Players | 6 players |
Where Will Paraguay Play Their Group D Matches?
Paraguay is drawn in a highly competitive Group D alongside co-host USA, Australia, and Turkiye. The group presents a challenging path for La Albirroja, as they face the tournament’s joint hosts in the United States, an organized Asian side in Australia, and European quality from Turkiye. As the lowest-ranked team in the group, Paraguay will be the underdogs in every fixture, with two of their three matches scheduled in Los Angeles.
The tournament kicks off on June 12, 2026, against co-host USA in Los Angeles at 9:00 p.m. ET. This opening match will serve as a major celebration for Paraguayan soccer, but it also carries the weight of expectations given that Paraguay is ranked 40th by FIFA—the lowest-ranked team in Group D (USA No.16, Turkiye No.22, Australia No.27). Following the opener, Paraguay’s next group game against Turkiye is scheduled to take place in the San Francisco Bay Area on June 19, 2026, during an evening Pacific-time match.
The final Group D fixture sees Paraguay face Australia back in Los Angeles on June 25, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. ET. This last group game could prove decisive in the race to reach the knockout rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players from the local Paraguayan league are on the World Cup squad?
Only three players come from the local Paraguayan league. The overseas-heavy roster reflects a strategic choice by head coach Gustavo Alfaro to rely primarily on professionals playing in high-intensity European and South American leagues, with Brazil (7 players) and Argentina (6 players) providing the largest contingents.
Who is Paraguay’s captain for the 2026 World Cup?
Palmeiras centre-back Gustavo Gomez will serve as the team captain. The 33-year-old defender is also the most experienced player in the squad, having earned around 88 caps for La Albirroja since his debut.
When does Paraguay play its opening match of the tournament?
Paraguay opens Group D play against co-host USA on June 12, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET in Los Angeles. This crucial opener will determine much of the team’s momentum heading into the remainder of the group stage.
Who secured the final spot on Paraguay’s World Cup roster?
Forward Isidro Pitta earned the last place on the 26-man roster after a tight decision by coach Gustavo Alfaro. His selection left Angel Romero, Mathias Villasanti, and Lucas Romero out of the final squad.
