Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro has officially announced the 26 players selected to represent the nation at the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Paraguay’s 2026 World Cup squad, which carries the hopes of the entire country, has been described as a carefully chosen blend of seasoned experience, tactical versatility, current competitive form, and promising new talent.
Squad unveiled in emotional announcement
The squad reveal was conducted through an emotional presentation on the national team’s social media channels. The announcement was designed to symbolise national unity, prominently featuring the poncho de las 60 listas (poncho of the 60 lists), where each thread represents a unique story within Paraguayan football.
Furthermore, the presentation was set to the music of the renowned Paraguayan artist Luis Alberto de Paraná, with his song “Voy Gritando”, meaning I am Screaming, providing a powerful backdrop. A message accompanying the announcement captured the sense of anticipation. 26 names build this piece that ends the wait.
Paraguay’s 2026 World Cup Squad
The complete 26-man squad selected by manager Gustavo Alfaro:
- Goalkeepers: Roberto Jr. Fernández, Orlando Gill, Gastón Olveira.
- Defenders: Juan Cáceres, Gustavo Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Fabián Balbuena, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso, José Canale, Alexandro Maidana.
- Midfielders: Andrés Cubas, Diego Gómez, Damián Bobadilla, Matías Galarza, Maurício Magalhães, Alejandro Romero Romero, Brahian Ojeda.
- Forwards: Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Ramón Sosa, Antonio Sanabria, Álex Arce, Gabriel Ávalos, Isidro Pitta, Gustavo Caballero.
Goalkeepers and defenders form a solid foundation
In goal, Alfaro, who has been nicknamed the “Hunter of Impossible Utopias” (Cazador de Utopías Imposibles) has placed his confidence in Roberto Jr. Fernández, Orlando Gill, and Gastón Olveira. The defensive line is built around the formidable leadership of captain Gustavo Gómez.
Alfaro has opted for a solid and experienced backline, with Gómez being joined by Juan Cáceres, Gustavo Velázquez, Fabián Balbuena, Omar Alderete, and Junior Alonso. The defensive ranks are completed by José Canale and Alexandro Maidana, forming a group expected to provide a robust shield for the team.
Midfield blend of balance and creativity
The Paraguayan midfield aims to combine defensive balance with dynamic attacking play and technical skill. The selected players for this crucial area of the pitch are Andrés Cubas, Diego Gómez, and Damián Bobadilla. They are joined by Matías Galarza, Maurício Magalhães, Alejandro Romero Romero, and Brahian Ojeda.
This group will provide Alfaro with a range of options to control the tempo of matches and create opportunities for the forwards.
Notable omission of Villasanti due to injury
One of the most significant absentees from the squad is midfielder Mathías Villasanti. A key figure during a large part of the qualification campaign, Villasanti unfortunately suffered a major injury in 2025, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus in his left knee.
While he has since completed his rehabilitation programme, he has not yet regained sufficient competitive match fitness with his club, Grêmio, leading to his difficult exclusion from the final World Cup list. Consequently, the management has prioritised selecting players who are at their peak physical condition for the tournament.
Attack features Premier League stars
In attack, Paraguay will be led by Premier League talents Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso, who are expected to provide the main creative spark. They are part of a formidable forward line that also includes Ramón Sosa, Antonio Sanabria, and Álex Arce. The attacking options are further bolstered by the inclusion of Gabriel Ávalos, Isidro Pitta, and Gustavo Caballero. The manager therefore has a variety of profiles to choose from, ranging from pace and creativity to physical presence in the penalty area.
Notably, five players have earned their place in the final squad despite not featuring during the qualification matches. Gastón Olveira, Maurício Magalhães, José Canale, Alexandro Maidana, and Gustavo Caballero all impressed Gustavo Alfaro sufficiently in their recent performances to secure a spot on the plane for the World Cup. Their inclusion highlights the manager’s focus on current form as a key selection criterion.
A nation’s hopes for World Cup return
The announcement signifies more than just a list of 26 names; it represents the collective ambition of a nation eager to see its team compete on the world’s biggest stage once again. The squad is tasked with carrying the Paraguayan flag to the highest level and bringing joy back to a country that, according to the national sentiment, is returning to a tournament from which it should never have been absent.
The entire country now unites behind this team, sharing a single dream of World Cup success.
Also read: Paraguayan Fans In California For 2026 World Cup: Top Activities While Cheering Albirroja.
