Paraguay Announces Final 26‑Man Squad for the 2026 World Cup Under Gustavo Alfaro

By J.J. Pavlick | New York, NY | June 1, 2026

Paraguay has finalized its 26‑man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 16‑year wait to return to the sport’s biggest stage. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro confirmed the list at the Ypané training complex, selecting a group built on international experience, defensive leadership, and a rising generation of attacking talent.

The announcement sets the tone for Paraguay’s return to the tournament for the first time since South Africa 2010. La Albirroja will face the United States, Türkiye, and Australia in Group D.

A Squad Built Abroad, Anchored at Home

Paraguay’s roster reflects the country’s growing export strength: 23 of the 26 players compete outside the domestic league, with major contingents in Brazil and Argentina. Only three players come from Paraguayan clubs, underscoring the federation’s reliance on players hardened by top‑flight competition abroad.

The final roster spot went to forward Isidro Pitta, who joined camp Monday to complete the squad. His inclusion capped a competitive selection process that left Ángel Romero, Mathías Villasanti, and Lucas Romero off the final list.

One of the most notable omissions is former Red Bulls New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, who left MLS last winter for a return to South America in hopes of strengthening his World Cup case. Coronel posted a strong 2026 season—including multiple clean sheets, improved command in the air, and a run of standout performances in continental play—but ultimately fell short in a crowded goalkeeping race. His exclusion underscores the depth of Paraguay’s pool and the narrow margins Alfaro faced in finalizing the position.

Enciso, Almirón, Sanabria Lead the Attack

Paraguay’s attack blends star power with versatility. Julio Enciso, now one of CONMEBOL’s most dynamic young forwards, headlines a front line that includes the following:

• Miguel Almirón—the veteran playmaker
• Antonio Sanabria—the central striker
• Gabriel Ávalos—the physical presence
• Isidro Pitta—the late-added finisher

It’s a group capable of stretching defenses, breaking lines, and creating mismatches in transition.

Gómez and Balbuena Anchor a Veteran Back Line

Defensively, Paraguay leans on two of its most experienced leaders:

• Gustavo Gómez
• Fabián Balbuena

Both arrive from Brazil’s top flight and bring years of high‑level competition. They’re supported by Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete, Gustavo Velázquez, and José Canale, giving Alfaro a deep, physical, and battle‑tested defensive core.

Midfield Balance: Cubas, Ojeda, Galarza, Bobadilla

Alfaro’s midfield is built around balance and tactical flexibility. Key names include:

• Andrés Cubas—the anchor
• Braian Ojeda—the box-to-box engine
• Matías Galarza—returning to River Plate
• Damián Bobadilla—the creative spark

This group reflects Alfaro’s preference for compact, disciplined midfield play with the ability to transition quickly.

Goalkeepers: Fernández, Gill, Olveira

Paraguay’s three goalkeepers are the following:

• Roberto Fernández
• Orlando Gill
• Gastón Olveira

Fernández enters as the likely starter, with Gill and Olveira providing depth and reliability. Coronel’s absence leaves Fernández as the clear No. 1 heading into the tournament.

Full 26‑Man Paraguay World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Orlando Gill, Roberto Fernández, Gastón Olveira

Defenders: Juan Cáceres, Gustavo Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Junior Alonso, José Canale, Omar Alderete, Alexandro Maidana, Fabián Balbuena

Midfielders: Diego Gómez, Mauricio Magalhães, Damián Bobadilla, Braian Ojeda, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza, Alejandro Gamarra

Forwards: Gustavo Caballero, Ramón Sosa, Alex Arce, Isidro Pitta, Gabriel Ávalos, Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Antonio Sanabria

The Road Ahead: Nicaragua Farewell, Then the U.S.

Paraguay will play a farewell friendly against Nicaragua this Friday at Defensores del Chaco before departing for North America. Their World Cup opener comes June 12 against the United States in Los Angeles — a demanding start to Group D.

A Return 16 Years in the Making

For Paraguay, this roster announcement is more than a list — it’s a milestone. After missing the last three World Cups, La Albirroja returns with a squad built on international experience, a rising generation of attackers, and a coach who has reshaped the team’s identity.

Whether this group can recapture the magic of 2010—when Paraguay reached the quarterfinals—will be one of the defining questions of Group D.

Paraguay’s return to the World Cup comes with edge, ambition, and a roster shaped by hard choices—none bigger than leaving Carlos Coronel out after a strong 2026 push to reclaim his place. La Albirroja arrives in North America with experience, youth, and a belief that the 16‑year wait has sharpened, not softened, their competitive bite.

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