Paraguay

Paraguay have just unveiled their 26-player World Cup squad under coach Gustavo Alfaro, finalising the list on June 1 ahead of the tournament. The camp suffered a blow with left-back Blas Riveros ruled out after a muscular problem forced him out of his club's concentration on May 27, leaving the coach to reshuffle his defensive options. Paraguay now must rely on alternatives in the full-back positions as they aim to field a balanced defence and secure a positive start to their World Cup campaign.

Paraguay venture to the USA for the Group D opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Paraguay have won two and lost three of their last five, beating Mexico 2-1 away and Greece 1-0 on the road before losing 2-1 to Morocco, and are much more pragmatic, risk-averse and favour the counter-attack or dead-ball situations. Gustavo Alfaro has been in charge of the national team since August 2024, with defensive organisation, discipline and the ability to play with numbers behind the ball in a narrow defensive block being his priority. The Paraguayans set up in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 with a real focus on their centre-backs and a willingness to absorb pressure.