The Paraguayan national football team, known as the Albirroja (the Red and Whites), has announced its 26-man squad for two significant international friendlies in March 2026. The team is scheduled to face Greece and Morocco as part of its ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup. However, the announcement has generated considerable discussion, primarily due to the debut inclusion of two newly naturalised players, Maurício Magalhães and Gastón Olveira to the Paraguay squad.
The selection signals the management’s intent to broaden the talent pool and assess new options in a competitive setting. The games against European and African opposition will provide a valuable test for the squad’s tactical flexibility and overall cohesion.
First call-ups for naturalised duo
Brazil born Maurício Magalhães’ inclusion is one of the headline stories from the squad announcement. The Palmeiras player joins his club teammates Ramón Sosa and Gustavo Gómez in the national setup. His integration into the squad will be closely watched, as his performances in the demanding Brazilian league have clearly captured the attention of the Paraguayan head coach Gustavo Alfaro. Consequently, this call-up represents a significant milestone in his career and adds a new dimension to Paraguay’s options.
Similarly, the selection of Gastón Olveira marks another major development for the national team. Uruguay born Olveira is the starting goalkeeper for Club Olimpia, the Paraguayan powerhouse currently leading the 2026 Apertura tournament. His consistent form and crucial role in his club’s success have now been rewarded with this international opportunity.
Other notable Paraguay squad inclusions
Beyond the naturalised players, the list features several other interesting selections who have earned their places through strong club form. José Canale, a standout defender for Argentinian club Lanús, has been included following a period of great success. Canale was a pivotal figure in Lanús’s triumphant 2025 Copa Sudamericana and 2026 Recopa Sudamericana campaigns. Furthermore, his memorable goal against Flamengo at the iconic Maracanã stadium highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stages, a quality the national team will undoubtedly value.
Another key addition is Gustavo Caballero, who is currently plying his trade in England. After a successful period with Nacional in his home country, Caballero has adapted impressively to the rigours of the English Championship, the second tier of English football. He is currently performing at a high level for Portsmouth, and his inclusion brings valuable European experience to the squad.
The squad also includes the promising young talent Alexandro Maidana, who recently completed a transfer from Guaraní to the Argentinian side Talleres de Córdoba. He was a member of the Paraguay U-20 squad that competed in the 2025 World Cup in Chile, which provided him with valuable tournament experience.
Key players missing from the list
While the new additions have created excitement, the announcement was also notable for the players who were left out. The list of absentees includes several familiar names, sparking debate among supporters and analysts. Players such as Ronaldo Martínez, Diego González, Agustín Sández, Isidro Pitta, and Hugo Cuenca were all omitted from the 26-man squad for these fixtures.
The decision to exclude these players suggests the management team is actively exploring different combinations and giving new prospects a chance to prove their worth ahead of the competitive World Cup qualification matches. Ultimately, these selections signal a clear intent to assess the full depth of talent available to Paraguay.
A European test for the Albirroja
The two fixtures will provide a good test for the Paraguayan side against credible opposition. The first match is scheduled against Greece on 27 March, with kick-off at 16:00 Paraguayan time. This game will take place at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens.
Following the match in Greece, the Albirroja will travel to France for their second friendly. They are set to face Morocco on 31 March at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in the city of Lens, with the match scheduled to begin at 15:00 Paraguayan time.
These back-to-back games are strategically designed to prepare the team for the variety of opponents Paraguay will encounter at the 2026 World Cup.
