Paraguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team represents Paraguay in men's international football and is governed by the Paraguayan Football Association.
The Paraguay national football team, nicknamed La Albirroja, represents Paraguay in men's international football and is governed by the Paraguayan Football Association. It has won the Copa América twice and qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its first appearance since 2010.
What it is
Paraguay is a CONMEBOL side that played its first international match in 1919. Its major honours are two Copa América titles, in 1953 and 1979. The team has appeared in nine FIFA World Cups, with its best finish being the quarter-finals in 2010.
Why it matters
Paraguay ended a 16-year World Cup drought by qualifying for the 2026 tournament, a notable achievement for a mid-ranked CONMEBOL team. The team's FIFA ranking was 41 as of June 2026, and it has produced key players like Julio Enciso, Miguel Almirón, and Diego Gómez.
Key details
Gustavo Alfaro has been head coach since 2024, with Gustavo Gómez as captain. Historically, Paulo da Silva holds the record for most appearances, and Roque Santa Cruz is the all-time top scorer. Paraguay's 4–3 penalty shootout win over Germany in 2026 was a historic upset.
In short
- Paraguay won Copa América in 1953 and 1979.
- Qualified for 2026 World Cup, first since 2010.
- Best World Cup finish: quarter-finals (2010).
- Current coach: Gustavo Alfaro; captain: Gustavo Gómez.
Canadian readers may know Paraguay mainly through CONMEBOL football, World Cup qualification, and international tournament coverage; there is no strong Canada-specific connection in the sources provided.
Quick questions
Who is the current coach of Paraguay national football team?
What is Paraguay's FIFA ranking?
When did Paraguay last qualify for the World Cup?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguay_national_football_teamSupports: Current coach, FIFA ranking, world cup qualification, record tournament history, and general team information.
- Xinhua — https://english.news.cn/20240817/99f162b7fd1e4003a0d783ecdc106ad9/c.htmlSupports: Gustavo Alfaro appointment as Paraguay head coach in 2024.
- CONMEBOL Copa América — https://copaamerica.com/en/news/gustavo-alfaro-paraguay-new-coachSupports: Alfaro as Paraguay's new head coach and replacement of Daniel Garnero.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_AlfaroSupports: Alfaro managing Paraguay and 2026 World Cup qualification context.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49224070/paraguay-germany-world-cup-2026Supports: Historic 2026 win over Germany and description as a major victory.
- Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguayische_Fu%C3%9FballnationalmannschaftSupports: FIFA ranking, captain, record players, and first World Cup shootout win reference.
- Wikipedia (Vietnamese) — https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguay_national_football_teamSupports: Best World Cup result as quarter-finals in 2010 and Copa América titles.
- Football Arroyo — https://footballarroyo.com/paraguay-national-football-team/Supports: Examples of currently highlighted players such as Julio Enciso, Miguel Almirón, and Diego Gómez.