Paraguay's Return to the World Stage
The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 marks a notable comeback for Paraguay, a nation that last featured in the tournament over a decade ago. Their absence since the 2010 World Cup has been palpable, given that they had qualified for four consecutive editions starting in 1998 and managed to reach the knockout rounds on three occasions. Under the guidance of head coach Gustavo Alfaro, they return at a time when the competition’s format has transformed significantly, giving a more level playing field in their group.
Paraguay finds itself in a tricky Group D, where the odds are not in their favor as they rank third among their peers according to bookmakers. However, the encouraging factor is that two out of the three teams in similar positions typically qualify for the round of 32. That presents Paraguay with a fair shot at progression, despite the multitude of challenges.
Analyzing the Squad's Strengths
Among their 26-man squad, only two players, Diego Gomez ($6.8m) and Omar Alderete ($4.1m), currently play in the Premier League. Their squad also features Gustavo Caballero ($4.2m), who recently completed a stint on loan with Portsmouth in the Championship. Some fans might recall Fabian Balbuena ($4.0m), who played at West Ham from 2018 to 2021, and Ramon Sosa ($5.3m), formerly of Nottingham Forest, who had a limited impact with just one goal in the 2024/25 season.
Other notable names include Miguel Almiron ($6.0m), back with Atlanta United, and Julio Enciso ($6.6m), who transferred to Strasbourg after his time at Brighton. Both will be vital for Paraguay as they attempt to make a mark on this World Cup campaign.
Road to Qualification
Qualifying for the World Cup from CONMEBOL can often seem straightforward, but Paraguay's journey has been rife with difficulty. They began poorly, scraping just five points and a solitary goal from their first six matches. However, a remarkable turnaround occurred after a lengthy break, allowing them to amass 23 points in the final 12 games while only losing to Brazil—an impressive feat.
Despite the low-scoring nature of many matches—including only two instances where they conceded multiple goals through qualifiers—their defensive discipline earned them 10 clean sheets. This sort of resilience is crucial, especially since their scoring has been less formidable; no player surpasses Antonio Sanabria’s ($6.5m) four goals, achieved with an above-average expected goals (xG) return of +2.47.
Creativity and Challenges Ahead
When it comes to playmaking, Diego Gomez stands out as the only player to assist multiple goals. Meanwhile, Almiron was the most promising in terms of key passes, providing 21 while accumulating an expected assists (xA) figure of 1.34. The competition within the squad is apparent, with both Gomez and Almiron likely sharing corner-taking duties.
Despite finishing their World Cup warm-up matches with a decisive 4-0 victory over Nicaragua, concerns linger regarding injuries and squad cohesion. After the last friendly match, Alfaro expressed mild optimism over Enciso's injury, explaining it may not be as severe as it seemed. Nevertheless, with uncertainty still present, they are set for a challenging opening match against the United States.
As Fantasy managers analyze potential picks, they're faced with a team that currently boasts no standout players with ownership exceeding 0.4%. This lack of confidence stems largely from the team's underwhelming goal-scoring history and daunting fixtures ahead. However, all players do qualify for Scouting Bonus rewards—an item to keep in mind as the tournament unfolds.### The Paraguayan Fantasy Outlook: Key Players and Considerations
As the Fantasy World Cup draws nearer, players like **Julio Enciso** stand out even amid concerns over recent injuries. Priced at **$6.6m**, Enciso’s impressive track record, despite modest league numbers with Brighton (four goals in 44 games), is bolstered by a stunning long-range goal against Manchester City that even earned him accolades in the *FIFA Puskas Award*. His ability to occasionally step up for penalties adds to his Fantasy appeal, though there's uncertainty regarding who will take them after a shaky performance by Kaku.
Enciso’s scoring style is notably striking. Most of his goals during the qualifiers were from outside the box, enhancing his reputation as a spectacular long-range shooter. If he can regain fitness ahead of Paraguay's campaign, he could deliver considerable value—especially since he earns an extra point for each goal as a midfielder, making him a potentially wise investment for Fantasy managers.
While Enciso's status remains in flux, another Paraguayan, **Diego Gomez** ($6.8m), offers reliability. His role in Brighton’s midfield alongside Enciso suggests he may be a consistent starter, particularly as he contributed significantly to non-penalty expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) during qualifiers. Not just a point-scorer, Gomez also takes direct free-kicks, which could translate into bonus points. His tackling prowess during qualifying further boosts his Fantasy viability, setting him up as a multipronged threat on the pitch.
When it comes to defenders, **Omar Alderete** ($4.1m), **Junior Alonso** ($4.1m), and **Juan Caceres** ($3.8m) are all appealing options, priced low but offering defensive solidity. Alderete notably outperformed other Paraguay defenders with two goals and a total of 12 shots in qualifying, making him a tempting choice for managers looking to maximize their investments. In goal, **Orlando Gill** ($3.5m) was anticipated to claim the starting role, but the recent audition for veteran **Roberto Fernandez** ($4.0m) could muddy the waters for Fantasy enthusiasts considering Paraguay's goalkeeper situation.
What’s clear is that Paraguay presents a mix of potential risks and rewards. If you’re strategizing your Fantasy line-up, keeping a close eye on injury reports and pre-tournament friendlies will be crucial. The possibilities with players like Enciso and Gomez offer intriguing avenues for those looking to capitalize on value throughout the tournament. However, the recent uncertainty surrounding a few players might make you cautious—ensuring you've got depth in your selections could prove invaluable as the competition unfolds.