Enciso and Almirón to lead Paraguay's return to World Cup after 16 years

Paraguay's national football team, the Albirroja, is set to make its return to the FIFA World Cup stage in 2026, ending a 16-year hiatus. The Paraguayan Football Association unveiled its official 26-player roster, headlined by dynamic forwards Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón, who are expected to lead the team's charge in North America.

The squad boasts a blend of established talent and emerging players. Brighton midfielder Diego Gómez is included, alongside seasoned defenders Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete. The team's attacking power will also rely on forwards such as Gabriel Ávalos. A notable inclusion is 20-year-old left-back Alexandro Maidana, who plays for Talleres de Córdoba in Argentina, stepping in for the injured Mathías Villasanti of Grêmio.

Under the guidance of Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay has been placed in Group D. Their opening match is scheduled for June 12th against host nation the United States. The group also features Turkey and Australia, presenting a challenging but exciting path for the Albirroja's World Cup campaign.

The full squad list includes: Goalkeepers: Roberto Fernández (Cerro Porteño, PAR), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo de Almagro, ARG), Gastón Olveira (Olimpia, PAR). Defenders: Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño, PAR), Juan José Cáceres (Dinamo-Moscú, RUS), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras BRA), Omar Alderete (Sunderland, ING), Fabián Balbuena (Gremio, BRA), José Canale (Lanús, ARG), Junior Alonso (Atlético Mineiro, BRA), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres, ARG). Midfielders: Diego Gómez (Brighton, ING), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps, CAN), Damián Bobadilla (Sao Paulo, BRA), Matías Galarza (Atlanta United, EEUU), Braian Ojeda (Orlando City, EEUU), Mauricio Magalhaes (Palmeiras BRA), Alejandro Romero Gamarra (Al-Ain, EAU). Forwards: Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth, ING), Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United, EEUU), Julio Enciso (Racing de Estrasburgo, FRA), Ramón Sosa (Palmeiras, BRA), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese, ITA), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia, ARG), Gabriel Ávalos (Independiente, ARG), Isidro Pitta (Bragantino, BRA).