Weather

86°F3:14 PM

Sports

1 read

Paraguay's Road to World Cup 2026: Key Players and Challenges Ahead

KVIA•Friday, June 12, 2026 at 4:56 PM•CNN Newsource

Sports stadium representing local sports news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

The Paraguay national football team has made a remarkable turnaround in the South American qualifiers, securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Under the guidance of coach Gustavo Alfaro, who took over in October 2024, the team transformed from lackluster to a disciplined and strategic unit, achieving six wins, five draws, and only one loss to Brazil. Key players include 22-year-old Julio Enciso, who has excelled at Racing Strasbourg, and veteran Gustavo Gómez, a commanding presence in defense. However, the team will miss midfielder Mathías Villasanti due to a knee injury. Paraguay's preparation includes friendly matches against diverse teams to refine their strategy ahead of the tournament.

Key Details: • Gustavo Alfaro appointed as head coach in October 2024. • Paraguay finished qualifiers with 6 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss. • Key players include Julio Enciso and Gustavo Gómez. • Mathías Villasanti is out due to a knee injury. • Team is preparing with friendlies against various international opponents.

football world-cup paraguay qualifiers gustavo-alfaro

People & Organizations

Miguel AlmirónGustavo AlfaroAtlanta UnitedJulio EncisoGustavo GómezMathías VillasantiDiego GómezRacing de EstrasburgoBrightonRed Bull Bragantino

Related Articles

UTEP Fans Can Choose Kickoff Time for October 17 Football Game

UTEP Athletics is engaging fans by allowing them to vote on the kickoff time for the upcoming football game against San Jose State on October 17 at the Sun Bowl. Fans can select from four time options: 1, 2, 4, or 7 p.m. Mountain Time. Voting will be open from June 23 to July 1, marking a new interactive initiative aimed at enhancing the game day experience. This matchup is themed 'Innovation Day' and is part of a broader effort to involve the Miner community in decision-making. Additional details about 'Innovation Day' will be shared soon.

Cristiano Ronaldo Shines with Two Goals at World Cup, Nears 1,000 Career Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines during the 2026 World Cup by scoring two goals against Uzbekistan, marking a significant step towards his goal of reaching 1,000 career goals, now standing at 975. This victory was crucial for his team, as it secured their first win in the tournament. At 41 years old, Ronaldo also set a record as one of the oldest goal scorers in World Cup history, second only to Roger Milla. Additionally, he became the all-time leading scorer for Portugal in World Cup matches, surpassing Eusebio's previous record. While reaching the 1,000-goal milestone during the tournament seems unlikely, he is expected to achieve it by the end of the upcoming season.

Brendan Sorsby's NFL Debut Postponed Amid League Controversy

Brendan Sorsby, a former Texas Tech quarterback, will not make his NFL debut this season due to the league's rejection of his petition. This decision follows a tumultuous period involving Texas Tech, the NCAA, and the Big 12, raising questions about eligibility and compliance. The implications of this ruling affect Sorsby's career trajectory and the ongoing discussions surrounding player eligibility in college sports. Fans and stakeholders in the Texas Tech community are particularly impacted as they follow Sorsby's journey.

Iran's World Cup Team Granted Extended Stay Before Key Match Against Egypt

The U.S. government has eased restrictions for the Iranian national soccer team, allowing them to enter the country two days prior to their crucial World Cup match against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Initially, the team was based in Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa issues and geopolitical tensions, which complicated their travel plans. Despite these challenges, Iran has performed well, securing two draws in their previous matches and positioning themselves favorably in Group G. The team must still depart the U.S. immediately after the game, maintaining strict security protocols throughout the tournament.