The streets of Asunción erupted in celebration. A nation, starved of World Cup football for over a decade, finally had its moment. Paraguay had done it. They secured their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This was not just a qualification; it was a revival. For the first time since their memorable run in 2010, La Albirroja (The White and Red) are back on the biggest stage. Their journey was anything but easy. It was a story of struggle, change, and unyielding spirit. Now, the world watches to see if this new chapter can live up to their golden past.
A Campaign on the Brink
The road to the World Cup was filled with obstacles. The CONMEBOL qualifiers are notoriously difficult. Paraguay’s campaign started poorly. After six matches, they found themselves in seventh place. They had managed only one win and scored a single goal. The dream of reaching the World Cup seemed to be fading. The team struggled for form. Their performance in the Copa América was also disappointing, with three straight losses leading to an early exit. The Paraguayan Football Association knew something had to change. They made a bold decision.
A new manager was appointed. Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro took the helm. He was known for his focus on structure and discipline. Alfaro had previously led Costa Rica to victory over Paraguay. His arrival marked a crucial turning point. The team’s fortunes improved dramatically under his guidance. They became a tougher, more organised unit. The results started to reflect this change.
In their remaining 12 matches, Paraguay recorded six wins. They also secured five draws and suffered only one defeat. This impressive run included home victories against giants like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The defensive solidity that Paraguay was famous for had returned. After a tense goalless draw with Ecuador, their qualification was confirmed. The government declared a national holiday. The country celebrated the return of their heroes. Alfaro made their intentions clear. “We’re not going [to the World Cup] just to take part,” he stated. “We want to compete to the best of our ability”.
The Defensive Fortress Returns
Paraguay has always been known for its strong defence. This quality was the foundation of their successful qualification campaign. While they were not the most prolific team, their defensive record was exceptional. They conceded only 10 goals in the entire campaign. This was the second-best defensive record, tied with Argentina. The team kept an impressive 10 clean sheets. This defensive resilience allowed them to grind out results and secure vital points.
Their attack, while not explosive, was efficient. They scored just 14 goals, fewer than some teams who failed to qualify. However, they made their goals count. Key attacking players stepped up at crucial moments. Miguel Almirón of Newcastle United, Julio Enciso, and Antonio Sanabria provided the necessary firepower. Their ability to convert chances was vital. This blend of a tight defence and clinical finishing became Paraguay’s winning formula. It is a style that has served them well in the past. It now fuels their ambitions for the future.
Stars of La Albirroja
A new generation of players is leading Paraguay’s charge. For UK football fans, some names are already familiar.
Miguel Almirón is a well-known figure in the Premier League. His tireless work rate and creativity for Newcastle United are highly valued. For his country, he remains a pivotal player. During the qualifiers, he contributed one goal and one assist. His experience in a top European league is invaluable.
Julio Enciso is another talent with UK connections. The former Brighton forward now plays for RC Strasbourg Alsace in France. He was a bright spark in the attack, netting three goals and providing one assist during the campaign. His flair and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat.
The team’s top scorer was Antonio Sanabria. Playing for US Cremonese in Italy, he found the net four times in 12 appearances. His clinical finishing was essential for a team that creates limited chances. He carries the main goal-scoring burden for La Albirroja.
Beyond the attack, the team is built on a solid defensive foundation. Players like Omar Alderete have been instrumental in their mean defence. The emergence of young talents like Diego Gómez, who provided two assists, also signals a bright future. This mix of experienced heads and youthful energy makes Paraguay a balanced and dangerous side.
A Proud Footballing History
Paraguay’s recent success is built on a rich footballing legacy. They have a history of punching above their weight.
The nation has been crowned Copa América champions twice. Their first triumph came in 1953. They repeated the feat in 1979, overcoming both Brazil and Chile to lift the trophy. These victories remain proud moments in the country’s sporting history.
Between 1998 and 2011, Paraguay enjoyed a “golden generation.” This era saw them qualify for three consecutive World Cups. The team was filled with iconic players. Goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert was a charismatic and formidable presence. Defender Carlos Gamarra was a rock at the back. Both were named in the 1998 World Cup All-Star Team. At that tournament in France, they were a formidable opponent. They held Spain and Bulgaria to goalless draws before beating Nigeria. They were eventually knocked out in the Round of 16 by the hosts, France, after a heartbreaking golden goal in extra time.
Their best-ever World Cup performance came in South Africa in 2010. Coached by Gerardo Martino, Paraguay reached the quarter-finals for the first time. They topped their group and then defeated Japan in a tense penalty shootout in the Round of 16. They ultimately fell to eventual champions Spain in a narrow 1-0 defeat. That run showed the world what Paraguayan grit and determination could achieve.
Looking to the Future
The qualification for the 2026 World Cup has revitalised Paraguayan football. Their FIFA ranking has surged from 62nd to 37th, a clear sign of their progress. The success is not limited to the senior team. The U20 side has also shown promise in their recent World Cup matches, holding teams like South Korea to a draw. This suggests a healthy pipeline of talent coming through.
The challenge now is to build on this momentum. The World Cup will be the ultimate test. Teams will know what to expect from Paraguay: a disciplined, defensive, and difficult-to-beat opponent. Yet, with players like Almirón and Enciso, they possess the quality to surprise teams in attack.
Experts are taking notice. Japan’s manager, Moriyasu Hajime, recently reflected on the challenge of facing South American teams. He described them as “battle-hardened” and experts at managing tight contests. This perfectly sums up the threat Paraguay poses. They may not play the most expansive football, but they are masters of strategy and resilience. As they prepare for their return to the world stage, Paraguay carries the hopes of a nation. They have proven they can overcome adversity. Now, they are ready to compete.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the nickname of the Paraguay national football team?
The team is affectionately known as La Albirroja, which translates to “The White and Red” in Spanish. This reflects the colours of their national flag and team kit.
2. How many times have Paraguay won the Copa América?
Paraguay has won the prestigious Copa América on two occasions. Their first victory was in 1953, and they claimed their second title in 1979.
3. Who is Paraguay’s all-time leading goalscorer?
The all-time leading goalscorer for the Paraguay national team is Roque Santa Cruz. The former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers striker scored 32 goals for his country.
4. What is Paraguay’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Paraguay’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup came in 2010 in South Africa. They reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, where they were narrowly defeated by the eventual champions, Spain.
5. Who are the key players in the current Paraguay squad?
The current squad features a mix of experienced and emerging talent. Key players include Newcastle United’s Miguel Almirón, attacker Julio Enciso, and their top scorer from the qualifiers, Antonio Sanabria.
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