With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, preparations on every front are already under way. Paraguay’s national team coach Gustavo Alfaro is well aware of this. After a 16-year absence from football’s biggest stage, the Albirroja, cannot afford to leave any detail to chance. Milton Giménez, a forward currently playing for Argentine giants Boca Juniors, has emerged as a potential option for the tournament.
For any footballer, playing in a World Cup represents the ultimate dream. Giménez understands this clearly, which explains his decision to become a Paraguayan citizen. Born in Buenos Aires in 1996, he spent several months completing the necessary paperwork. He officially obtained Paraguayan citizenship in the first days of 2026.
Milton Giménez´s citizenship and others
Milton Giménez is eligible for Paraguayan citizenship through his father. Notably, the process was initiated by the player himself rather than by the Paraguayan Football Association (APF). In recent years, several Argentine-born footballers have either been linked to or have completed the process of naturalisation to represent Paraguay.
Two recent cases stand out. The first is Juan José Cáceres, who also has Paraguayan family roots and currently plays for FC Dynamo Moscow. He obtained citizenship in 2022 and quickly earned the affection of Paraguayan supporters. Since then, Cáceres has become a key figure in the national squad, delivering performances that remain firmly in the memory of fans.
The most recent case prior to Giménez was Agustín Sández. He made his professional debut at Boca Juniors and now plays for Rosario Central in the Argentine league. Like Giménez, he obtained Paraguayan citizenship, in 2024 through his father. With several World Cup qualifiers already under his belt, Sández is now firmly in contention for a place in the final squad for the 2026 tournament.
The chances of Milton Giménez
With the World Cup qualifiers concluded, Milton Giménez is likely to receive his first opportunities in the upcoming international friendlies. These matches are scheduled for March 2026, with opponents yet to be confirmed. Such fixtures represent a crucial window for Giménez to stake his claim for one of the 26 places available for the World Cup squad of Gustavo Alfaro.
However, the challenge ahead is far from simple. Despite playing for Boca Juniors, Giménez is not among the club’s top scorers. He also faces stiff competition from several established Paraguayan strikers who are equally determined to secure a place. One of the main obstacles working against him is the fact that he did not feature in the qualification campaign.
Nevertheless, strong performances in friendly matches and a positive impression on Alfaro could be enough to earn him inclusion. Currently, Giménez is competing with forwards such as Alex Arce, Ronaldo Martínez and Gabriel Ávalos, among others. In addition, his participation in the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors could serve as an important showcase for his abilities at the highest level.
Despite these difficulties, Giménez fits a profile that Alfaro values highly: a physically strong forward with presence in the box and the ability to occupy defenders. These attributes can prove decisive when final selections are made.
The World Cup in sight
With the inclusion of Milton Giménez as a potential option, Paraguay adds another interesting attacking alternative. His naturalisation reflects the continued development of the national team project under Alfaro. In a World Cup year, having more quality options than available places is a luxury, and one that the coach is keen to exploit.
Whatever the outcome, Giménez’s future with the national team will be one to keep an eye on. History suggests that Argentine-born, naturalised Paraguayan players often bring significant quality to the Albirroja. Examples such as Lucas Barrios and Andrés Cubas support this view.
Ideally, Milton Giménez will follow the same path, earning his place in the squad, building a lasting legacy, and securing the affection of Paraguayan football supporters.
