Alfaro Reveals Paraguay’s Argentine-Influenced Squad for World Cup 2026 Debut

Paraguay’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup stage is just around the corner, with coach Gustavo Alfaro putting the final touches on his squad for their opening match against the United States in the 2026 tournament. After a significant absence from the global showpiece, the Albirroja are poised to make their mark, and Alfaro’s tactical approach appears to be heavily influenced by his Argentine roots.

The team’s journey back to the World Cup, having last participated in 2010, has generated immense excitement in Paraguay. Alfaro, known for his meticulous preparation, is reportedly fine-tuning his lineup, with several positions still subject to last-minute adjustments.

Goalkeeping Dilemma

A primary area of uncertainty for Alfaro lies in the goalkeeping department. Over the course of recent training sessions, the coach has rotated between Roberto Fernández, Orlando Gill, and Gastón Olveira. However, experience and consistent form seem to give Fernández a slight edge as the likely starter for the crucial opener.

Defensive Solidity

The defensive line is expected to be a cornerstone of Paraguay’s strategy, featuring a well-established quartet. Juan José Cáceres, captain Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, and Junior Alonso have proven to be a reliable unit throughout the qualification campaign, forming a strong foundation that Alfaro will look to leverage against formidable opponents.

Midfield Balance

In the midfield, Alfaro is anticipated to prioritize a balanced approach, mirroring the strategy that allowed Paraguay to compete effectively against South America’s top nations. Diego Gómez and Damián Bobadilla are set to be key figures in the central midfield, providing both defensive stability and passing options. On the wings, Miguel Almirón and Kaku Romero Gamarra are expected to offer creativity and attacking threat, aiming to break down opposition defenses. The team’s formation is likely to be a flexible 4-4-2, capable of adapting to a 4-2-3-1 shape depending on the game’s demands.

Offensive Options Amidst Injury

The absence of Julio Enciso, a rising star for Paraguay, due to a muscular injury sustained in a pre-tournament friendly, represents a significant blow. This setback forces Alfaro to explore alternative offensive strategies. Alex Arce has reportedly impressed in recent training and is emerging as a strong contender to partner Antonio Sanabria in attack. The combination of Arce’s goal-scoring prowess and Sanabria’s international experience could provide Paraguay with a potent attacking duo. Avalos is expected to be a substitute option.

Probable Lineup

Based on current training reports and tactical considerations, Paraguay’s starting XI for their World Cup 2026 debut against the United States could look like this:

Roberto Fernández or Orlando Gill in goal; Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, and Junior Alonso in defense; Miguel Almirón, Diego Gómez, Damián Bobadilla, and Kaku Romero Gamarra in midfield; and Alex Arce and Antonio Sanabria leading the line.

Key facts

This squad selection underscores Alfaro’s strategy of blending defensive solidity with attacking flair, all while adapting to the unfortunate absence of Julio Enciso. The Argentine influence in the coaching staff and potentially in the team’s tactical setup could be a defining factor for Paraguay as they aim to make a successful return to the world’s biggest footballing stage.

Source: Ole, https://www.ole.com.ar/mundial/mundial-2026/gustavo-alfaro-paraguay-mundial-2026_0_B46YMbQVwO.html