Paraguay are back at a World Cup after almost two decades of absence and tribulations – and ready to give Australia, the USA and Turkey a run for their money. Their last appearance was at South Africa 2010, their best performance to date, when they reached the quarter-finals before saying goodbye with a loss against the greatest Spain team of all time.
La Albirroja seemed lost for years. But after a dismal 2024 Copa America, everything changed. Destiny delivered Gustavo Alfaro, the man who saved Paraguay from what looked like another impending catastrophe.
A Remarkable Transformation
The 63-year-old Argentinian breathed new life into a hopeless team. He restored morale, revived belief and strengthened the side both individually and, more importantly, collectively. From a team that was widely mocked to one of the most feared in South America, La Albirroja have made the continent tremble – and should pose problems for Australia, the US and Turkey. In qualification, they defeated Brazil and the reigning world champions Argentina – coming from behind in the latter match to record a famous victory in Asuncion.
None of the teams in Group D can afford to underestimate La Albirroja. They have recovered, consolidated and added countless strengths. “I would love people to see Paraguay again as the team no one wants to face,” Alfaro said upon his arrival in August 2024. Although his appointment initially raised doubts, his words have proved prophetic.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Discipline
Under Alfaro, Paraguay lost just one away match in the qualifiers – to Brazil – and, alongside Ecuador and Argentina, finished as one of the strongest teams in the competition under the man they call “the hunter of utopias.”
La Albirroja have regained their historic strengths: an almost unbreakable defence and excellent structural balance. They do not apply a high press; instead, they press in midfield, which can become a dangerous trap for opponents. Thanks to their tactical discipline, they consistently frustrate the opposition’s creativity. While rivals become disorganised in attack, Paraguay strike with rapid transitions and clinical accuracy. They usually set up in a 4-2-3-1 during midfield pressing phases, but drop into a compact 4-4-2 when defending deep.
Paraguay are not a high-scoring or overly attacking side, but they rely on effectiveness and efficiency to get results. Dominating possession against them can be risky, because it often plays into exactly what Alfaro wants. That might be more of a potential problem for Turkey, who are expected to enjoy more possession than their opponents, than for Australia or the US.
Key Players and Attack
Defence has always been a hallmark of Paraguayan football. Under Alfaro, La Albirroja have not only recovered this virtue but have evolved it, adding progressive buildup play. Central defender Omar Alderete has been outstanding, while captain Gustavo Gomez remains one of the best centre-backs in South America. As proof of their solidity, Paraguay conceded just 10 goals in 18 qualifiers – the best defensive record in the competition.
The heart of the team is Vancouver Whitecaps’ Andres Cubas. The defensive midfielder closes spaces, reads the game superbly and brings relentless aggression. At just 1.66m, he may not look imposing, but his intensity often leaves opponents stunned.
In attack, they rely heavily on the creativity of Julio Enciso. The Strasbourg player is arguably the greatest Paraguayan talent produced in the past 30 years. He possesses every attribute of a gamechanger: dribbling, speed, creativity, power, and a potent mid-range shot. Yet, in concerning news for the South Americans the 22-year-old went down with a thigh injury in the pre-tournament friendly against Nicaragua in Asuncion, just a week out from their opener against the USA. He remains in the squad and his recovery will be closely monitored.
Although Paraguay are highly practical and efficient, they lack creativity and sustained offensive volume. They depend heavily on Enciso’s individual brilliance or set-pieces to create danger. Antonio Sanabria leads the line. Elegant and technically gifted, the striker has quality but arrives at the World Cup short of match fitness after limited minutes for Cremonese in Italy.
A Formidable Opponent
Paraguay are the prototype of a team nobody wants to face at a World Cup: disciplined, physical and suffocating. They are dangerous on the counterattack, which is a longstanding specialty and akin to the Socceroos’ vibrant youthful attack line. And they are equally threatening from set-pieces – their aerial power is sure to test even the most physically imposing defences.
