Paraguay’s national team officially announced its 55-player preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 this Tuesday, marking its highly anticipated return to global football after a 16-year absence.

Argentinean strategist Gustavo Alfaro, credited with rejuvenating the “Albirroja” (the Paraguayan team) has crafted a roster that strategically balances international hierarchy with a significant emphasis on local league talent, aiming for a strong performance on the North American stage.

This selection reflects Alfaro’s commitment to a cohesive unit, blending seasoned professionals from Europe’s top leagues with emerging stars from Paraguayan football.

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Since his arrival in 2024, Alfaro has been instrumental in transforming the team’s identity, successfully consolidating a robust tactical scheme that proved effective during the demanding South American qualifiers.

This preliminary phase maintains the core backbone of the squad, featuring prominent figures such as Miguel Almirón, the dynamic winger from Newcastle United; Julio Enciso, the promising attacker from Brighton & Hove Albion; and Omar Alderete, the solid defender currently playing in Europe’s top leagues. These players, through their consistent performances at club level, bring invaluable experience and quality to the Paraguayan national team, forming the foundation upon which Alfaro’s strategy is built.

A particularly notable aspect of this call-up is the substantial representation of footballers who ply their trade in the Paraguayan domestic league. Club Olimpia, one of Paraguay’s most successful teams, contributes key names such as Gastón Olveira, Adrián Alcaraz and Mateo Gamarra. Gamarra, in particular, has rejoined the national radar after a standout performance in the local championship, demonstrating his readiness for international competition. Similarly, Cerro Porteño, another powerhouse of Paraguayan football, adds experienced players like Junior “Gatito” Fernández and Blas Riveros, both of whom have previous experience within the national team cycle.

Among the new faces generating considerable anticipation are Robert Piris Da Motta and the return of Lorenzo Melgarejo from Libertad team, who is currently enjoying a period of exceptional form.

These strategic incorporations are designed to deepen the tactical options available in both the midfield and attack, preparing the team for the intense physical and technical demands of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The blend of youth and experience, combined with a strong understanding of each other’s play, is expected to provide Paraguay with the versatility needed to compete effectively against diverse international opponents, showcasing the depth of talent available to the coaching staff.

Injury Watch List

Despite the palpable optimism surrounding Paraguay’s return to the World Cup, the technical staff is closely monitoring the medical progress of Adam Bareiro. The prolific forward, a key figure for Argentinean Boca Juniors Team, was included in the preliminary list despite recently suffering a muscle tear in the local league. His ultimate inclusion in the definitive 26-player squad will hinge critically on his recovery over the next two intensive weeks of rehabilitation.

Bareiro’s presence is considered vital for the team’s offensive prowess, and his fitness will be a crucial factor in Alfaro’s final selection decisions, as he represents a significant goal-scoring threat.

Paraguay is scheduled to commence its final training camp with the objective of fine-tuning the last tactical details before their official tournament debut. This much-anticipated match is slated for June 12 in Los Angeles, where the Paraguayan team will face the host nation, the United States.

Coach Alfaro is expected to announce the final 26-player squad by June 1, a crucial deadline that will define the group tasked with emulating the historical performances of previous Paraguayan teams on the global stage.

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