Paraguay are back at the World Cup after a 16-year absence. They Group D alongside the USA, Turkey, and Australia, and kick off their campaign on June 12th in Los Angeles.

In the qualifiers, Paraguay finished 6th, securing CONMEBOL’s final automatic qualification spot. The qualification campaign was marked by the team’s return to competitiveness, highlighted by big wins over Brazil and Argentina.

📔 What are the key stats and facts I need to know before betting on Paraguay at the World Cup 2026?

🔥 What free bets are available for Paraguay's World Cup games?

✅ What is the best bet for Paraguay at the World Cup 2026?

🌍 How did Paraguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

In 18 matches, Paraguay picked up seven wins, seven draws, and only four defeats. Only Ecuador lost fewer matches during qualifying (2). For comparison, five-time world champions Brazil suffered six defeats in 18 games.

Defensive solidity was the hallmark of La Albirroja’s campaign. The team conceded just 10 goals, sharing the 2nd-best defensive record with Argentina and trailing only Ecuador.

The attack was pretty modest, scoring only 14 goals, tied with Ecuador for the 3rd-lowest total.

The qualifying campaign featured notable results, including victories over Brazil and Argentina, as well as a draw against Ecuador. Overall, Gustavo Alfaro’s side went on a nine-match unbeaten streak during qualifying.

👔 Who is the Paraguay manager at the World Cup 2026?

Gustavo Alfaro is another Argentine coach at this World Cup. The 63-year-old manager is known for emphasizing tactical discipline, particularly through a defense-first style of play.

Alfaro previously managed Boca Juniors and Huracán and also coached Ecuador at the 2022 World Cup.

Under his leadership, Paraguay once again proved capable of competing with South America’s giants, as shown by victories over Brazil (1-0) and Argentina (2-1).

His primary focus is defensive organization and quick counterattacks. Therefore, players such as Gustavo Gómez and Miguel Almirón, along with attacking talents Julio Enciso and Ramón Sosa, are essential to the team’s success.

Alfaro has already named Paraguay’s World Cup squad.

Goalkeepers: Roberto “Gatito” Fernández, Orlando Gill, and Gastón Oliveira.

Defenders: Gustavo Gómez, Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete, Fabián Balbuena, Alan Benítez, José Canale, Juan Cáceres, and Alexandro Maidana.

Midfielders: Miguel Almirón, Braian Ojeda, Diego Gómez, Matías Galarza, Damián Bobadilla, Ramón Sosa, Lucas Romero, and Maurício.

Forwards: Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso, Gabriel Ávalos, Ángel Romero, Alex Arce, and Gustavo Caballero.

🔎 Who are Paraguay's key players to watch at World Cup 2026?

Gustavo Gómez

At 33 years old, Gustavo Gómez is one of Paraguay’s leaders and a key reason behind the team’s defensive security. The center-back played more minutes than any other Paraguay player during qualifying.

Strong in aerial duels and physically dominant, Gómez provides consistency at the back. He plays for Palmeiras and brings valuable international competition experience.

Despite being a defender, Gómez is a major threat from corners and set pieces. He ranked 7th among Paraguay players in total shots during qualifying.

He committed 19 fouls in 15 matches, averaging more than 1.00 per game.

Miguel Almirón

Almirón is one of Paraguay’s most experienced internationals, with more than 50 appearances for the national team.

The midfielder serves as the creative engine, responsible for organizing play, especially when Paraguay regains possession and looks to attack quickly.

He ranked second in total minutes played during qualifying, behind only Gómez. His ability to arrive in advanced positions is his biggest strength.

With 23 shots, he ranked 2nd on the team in attempts, and with eight shots on target, he again ranked 2nd, averaging 1.62 shots and 0.56 shots on target per match.

Because of his role in transition play, Almirón is often heavily targeted by opponents. As a result, fouls-drawn markets may offer value.

He suffered 31 fouls in 15 matches, leading the team in that category and averaging more than 2.00 fouls drawn per game.

Julio Enciso

Moving away from the more experienced names, Julio Enciso has emerged as one of Paraguay’s most decisive players in this World Cup cycle despite being only 22 years old.

The attacking midfielder was directly involved in four goals during qualifying, ranking second on the team. He scored three goals and provided one assist.

The Strasbourg player stands out for the intensity and attacking volume he brings to matches. During qualifying, he led Paraguay in total shots (24) and shots on target (11).

Like Ramón Sosa, Enciso represents the new generation of Paraguayan football, and his attacking ability is a major reason why the team remains dangerous in the final third.

In Germany, Enciso enjoyed a strong season, contributing to 21 goals in 42 appearances. He finished the campaign with five goal contributions in his final three matches, including four assists.

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Keep up with Andy's Tips, including World Cup Predictions and World Cup 2026 Free Bet Offers, on Andy's Bet Club.

For World Cup outright betting, check out our World Cup Group D Outrights, World Cup Players to Watch Tips, World Cup Golden Boot Tips, and World Cup Outrights Updates.

Best Free Bets, Offers & Betting Sites for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is the best time to create a new bookmaker account because the Bookmaker Offers are much better. Andy and the Andy's Bet Club experts have tried and tested the Free Bets, and here are their favourites:

• bet365 World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betfair World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betfred World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betway World Cup Sign Up Offer

• BoyleSports World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Midnite World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Sky Bet World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Spreadex World Cup Sign Up Offer

• William Hill World Cup Sign Up Offer

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.