Brighton Star Gomez Headlines Paraguay’s World Cup Squad

Paraguay have unveiled their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez among the headline names selected by head coach Gustavo Alfaro.

Former Brighton forward Julio Enciso, now playing for Strasbourg, is expected to spearhead Paraguay’s attack as the South American nation returns to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2010.

Alfaro also handed a notable opportunity to 20-year-old left-back Alexandro Maidana, who only made his senior international debut in March and comes into the squad as cover for the injured Mathias Villasanti.

Paraguay will begin their Group D campaign against joint hosts the United States in Los Angeles on 12 June before facing Turkey on 19 June and Australia on 25 June, with both fixtures scheduled for Santa Clara.

Their return to the World Cup carries added significance, having last appeared in South Africa in 2010 where they reached the quarter-finals — their best-ever performance at the tournament.

The squad blends experience and youth, featuring established figures such as Palmeiras defender Gustavo Gomez, Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almirón and striker Antonio Sanabria.

Paraguay World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Roberto Fernandez, Orlando Gill, Gaston Olveira.

Defenders: Gustavo Velazquez, Juan Jose Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Fabian Balbuena, Jose Canale, Junior Alonso, Alexandro Maidana.

Midfielders: Diego Gomez, Andres Cubas, Damian Bobadilla, Matias Galarza, Braian Ojeda, Mauricio Magalhaes, Alejandro Romero Gamarra.

Forwards: Gustavo Caballero, Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Ramon Sosa, Antonio Sanabria, Alex Arce, Gabriel Avalos and Isidro Pitta.

With a balanced squad and renewed ambition, Paraguay will be aiming to make another deep run on their long-awaited return to the global stage.