Paraguay in the World Cup: A Return to Roots and Ambition to Regain Glory

After a 16-year absence from the World Cup finals, the Paraguay national team has returned to the global stage thanks to a technical project that restored the team to its historical identity based on defensive solidity and collective discipline.

The team is led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, one of the most prominent defensive-minded coaches in South America. His arrival marks a key turning point in Paraguay's recent journey, having previously succeeded in leading Ecuador to the 2022 World Cup.

Alvaro believes that building a strong offensive team starts with establishing defensive discipline, a philosophy he successfully applied with the Paraguay national team. The team also boasts a group of outstanding players, led by the star Julio Enciso, who is considered the most prominent Paraguayan talent in the last two decades.

The 22-year-old player is known for his speed, skill, and ability to make a difference in the attacking third. He is seen as the element capable of providing the team with creative solutions in matches.

Alongside Enciso, midfielder Damian Bobadilla stands out as one of the promising names expected to shine in the tournament following his remarkable development with Brazilian club Sao Paulo, while Andres Cubas is considered the team's unsung hero due to his pivotal role in ball recovery and protecting the midfield line.

At the fan level, a large number of supporters are expected to travel to the United States despite the very high costs, hoping to see their team write a new chapter in its history. With Paraguay having a physically and tactically organized team and its ability to adapt to difficult conditions, the team enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the teams capable of troubling competitors and possibly achieving surprises that exceed expectations in its group, which includes the United States, Turkey, and Australia.