Paraguay secure 2026 World Cup spot under manager Gustavo Alfaro
Paraguay have secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup under manager Gustavo Alfaro, finishing sixth in the South American qualifiers to end a 16-year absence from the tournament.
The historic achievement marks the national team’s first appearance at football’s premier global event since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.
This remarkable turnaround is heavily credited to the Argentine tactician, who was appointed in August 2024 and immediately revitalised a struggling squad.
I have a hard time making ends meet. My only moment of joy is when the national team plays.
Asuncion supermarket worker
Transforming the Estadio Defensores del Chaco
The 62-year-old coach masterminded an outstanding nine-match unbeaten streak at the start of his tenure.
That impressive run included famous home victories over South American heavyweights Uruguay, Brazil and reigning world champions Argentina.
Their home ground in Asuncion, named after the nation’s soldiers in the Chaco War, has been successfully re-established as a formidable fortress.
It’s the Paraguayan idiosyncrasy that they like foreigners telling them what to do more than someone local. You need to understand Paraguayan football, not that you have to be Paraguayan.
Ralph Hannah, Guarani Vision podcast
Defensive solidity and European talent
The South American outfit built their successful qualifying campaign on a foundation of strict defensive discipline.
Their qualification matches averaged just 1.3 goals per game, making them one of the most defensively resolute sides in the entire Conmebol section.
To provide the necessary attacking spark, the former Ecuador boss relies heavily on emerging young talents plying their trade in European leagues.
Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez has been instrumental, notably scoring the decisive winning goal in the crucial victory against Brazil.
Alongside him, former Seagulls winger Julio Enciso continues to serve as the primary creative outlet while spending the season on loan at French club Strasbourg.
Julio Enciso is a really talented player, he’s the guy who can really make a difference.
Ralph Hannah, Guarani Vision podcast
The squad will now look to combine this rigid defensive structure with the clinical finishing of forward Antonio Sanabria when they arrive in North America next summer.