Top five Paraguay players to watch at FIFA World Cup 2026

Paraguay have qualified for the FIFA World Cup after more than two decades.

Paraguay are drawn in group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside the USA, Australia and Türkiye. La Albirroja’s berth in the FIFA World Cup was confirmed after they finished sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 28 points. They were the last team to secure the automatic qualification spot.

Gustavo Alfaro’s biggest weakness has been their lack of goals, as evidenced by their statistics in the qualifying round. They netted just 0.78 goals per game, the joint-lowest average of any side to reach the finals, while they were goalless in 9 of their 18 CONMEBOL qualifiers.

However, Paraguay’s pragmatic style has been well supported by their defence, as they conceded only 10 goals in qualifying. Thus, let’s take a look at the five players to watch at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: Top seven youngest players in FIFA World Cup history ft. Eto’o & Mora

5. Antonio Sanabria

Antonio Sanabria has struggled to steady his feet in Serie A with Cremonese; however, the 30-year-old has the potential to be called a game-changer. In 48 appearances for his national side, he has scored seven goals, but at the FIFA World Cup, he would have to fill bigger boots if Paraguay wants to build a blueprint for success.

4. Gustavo Gómez

Gustavo Gómez fits in Gustavo Alfaro’s pragmatic style, and he would also lead the defence line for La Albirroja. The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the lineup and would have to step up during Paraguay’s ongoing World Cup campaign as it faces different opponents. Gómez currently plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras.

3. Julio Enciso

Julio Enciso has a modest goalscoring record, which he can improve at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 22-year-old is also good at scoring from outside the box, but his fitness concerns could be an issue for the national side.

Playing for Strasbourg in the 2025/26 campaign, he netted 12 goals and provided 9 assists across 42 matches, his personal best yet. If he recovers and returns to full fitness, he could impose a goal-scoring threat to the opposition.

2. Diego Gomez

Diego Gómez is slowly becoming a famous name in football. The former Inter Miami player joined Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2025, and since then, he has earned praise for his versatility, making 56 appearances. Gomez has also scored 11 goals while providing two assists across all competitions.

The 23-year-old is a promising talent for Paraguay, and during the FIFA World Cup 2026, he could play a crucial role in the South American nation’s success.

1. Miguel Almirón

Miguel Almirón will lead Paraguay from the front, as he is one of the most experienced players in the line-up. The 32-year-old enjoyed his prime in the Premier League when he played for Newcastle United between 2019 and 2025. From attacker to midfielder, Almirón made 223 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 30 goals and 12 assists.

Since joining Atlanta United, the 32-year-old has primarily been playing as an attacker, and he will fulfil the same role for Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup.

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