Finally, the South American representatives are all set to face the 2026 World Cup. The last to confirm their final list of 26 players was Paraguay, which announced its roster through a video set in the making of a poncho with the colors of the Albirroja while their coach, Gustavo Alfaro, called out the names of the players.
The Argentine coach will rely on a solid base that has been working since his arrival to the national team and has managed to give the team a competitive identity. Among the main figures are Gustavo Gómez and Miguel Almirón, two of the undisputed leaders of the squad. In addition to experience, the roster also includes several young names poised to shape the future of Paraguayan football, including Diego Gómez and Julio Enciso.
The roster also features a strong presence from Argentine football. In total, the Paraguayan team will have 6 representatives from the neighboring country: Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), José Canale (Lanús), Matías Galarza Fonda (from Atlanta United, but who will have to return to River), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Gabriel Avalos (Independiente) and Álex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia).
Although the call-up did not leave major surprises, it did have some notable absences. Among the players who did not make the final cut are the Romero brothers (Ángel and Óscar), Adam Bareiro, Mathías Villasanti and Lucas Romero.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, the Red will have a single friendly match against Nicaragua on June 5 at the Defensores del Chaco. Once in the tournament, Gustavo Alfaro's team will be part of Group D, along with the United States, Turkey, and Australia. Their participation will begin on June 12 against the host at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, then they will face the Europeans on the 20th at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara and will close the first phase against the Oceanians on the 25th at the same stadium.
The 26 players called up from Paraguay for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers:
Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo)
Roberto Jr. Fernández (Cerro Porteño)
Gastón Olveira (Olimpia)
Defenders:
Juan José Cáceres (Dinamo Moscow)
José Canale (Lanús)
Fabián Balbuena (Gremio)
Omar Alderete (Sunderland)
Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras)
Alexandro Maidana (Talleres de Córdoba)
Junior Alonso (Atlético Mineiro)
Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño)
