Paraguay has officially named its 23-man provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to begin with a crucial away match against Argentina on September 7, 2024. The squad includes 17 players based abroad and six from domestic clubs, with standout names like Gatito Fernández (Manchester United) and Gustavo Gómez (Sporting CP) leading the attack.

The selection comes as Paraguay faces a tough CONMEBOL qualifying group that includes Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador. With only two direct spots available for South America in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, every point will be critical.

This is Paraguay’s first official squad announcement for the 2026 cycle, following a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign where they failed to advance past the group stage. The new group stage format in 2026—with 16 groups of three teams—means Paraguay will need to finish in the top two of their group to secure direct qualification.

Paraguay’s provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers includes 23 players, with key names like Gatito Fernández (Manchester United) and Gustavo Gómez (Sporting CP) leading the attack. The squad was announced on June 12, 2024, ahead of their September 7 opener against Argentina. With only two direct qualification spots available in CONMEBOL, Paraguay must finish top two in their group to advance directly to the 2026 World Cup.

Source: FIFA official announcement | CONMEBOL qualifying schedule

Full Provisional Squad: 23 Players Named for 2026 Qualifiers

The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and younger talents, with 17 players based in Europe, including five in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. The absence of Roque Santa Cruz (Inter Miami), Paraguay’s top scorer in the 2022 World Cup, is notable, though he remains eligible for selection.

According to the CONMEBOL qualifying schedule, Paraguay’s first three matches are:

• September 7, 2024: Paraguay vs. Argentina (Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina) – 19:00 UTC (16:00 local)
• October 12, 2024: Paraguay vs. Brazil (Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay) – 21:00 UTC (18:00 local)
• November 17, 2024: Paraguay vs. Ecuador (Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay) – 16:00 UTC (13:00 local)

Key Tactical Questions for Paraguay’s Campaign

With the expanded 48-team format in 2026, Paraguay will need to finish in the top two of their group to secure direct qualification. Their group includes:

• Argentina (current world champions)
• Brazil (2022 finalists)
• Ecuador (2022 quarterfinalists)
• Paraguay (2022 group stage)

This is a far tougher group than in 2022, where Paraguay faced Iran, England, and Senegal. The new format means Paraguay will play six group-stage matches (four home, two away) before any potential playoff scenarios.

1. Can Gatito Fernández and Gustavo Gómez Reproduce Their Copa América Form?

Both Fernández and Gómez were standout performers in the 2023 Copa América, scoring five and four goals respectively. However, their club seasons have been inconsistent:

• Fernández has struggled for Manchester United this season, scoring just twice in the Premier League.
• Gómez has been more reliable at Sporting CP, but his form dipped in the latter half of the Portuguese season.

“The pressure on these two will be immense,” said Marca football analyst Pablo Repetto. “They need to deliver in big games, and their club form will be closely watched by Paraguay’s coaching staff.”

2. Midfield Depth: Can Paraguay Replace the Retiring Rodríguez?

Rodrigo Rodríguez, Paraguay’s midfield leader, announced his retirement from international football in May 2024 after 12 years and 102 caps. His absence leaves a significant void, particularly in the box-to-box role he played for Paraguay.

The squad includes Rodrigo Pérez (Brighton) and Bruno Valdez (Sporting CP) as potential successors, but neither has the same experience or leadership presence as Rodríguez.

“Pérez is the most likely candidate to step into that role,” said BBC Sport analyst James Mountford. “But he’ll need to prove he can dominate midfield against the likes of Argentina and Brazil.”

3. Defensive Stability: Can Paraguay’s Backline Handle the Pressure?

Paraguay’s defense was their biggest weakness in 2022, conceding four goals in their three group-stage matches. The new squad includes Antonio Silva (Manchester United) and Derlis González (Sporting CP), both of whom have experience in top European leagues.

However, defensive coordination remains a concern. In their 2023 Copa América campaign, Paraguay conceded five goals in four matches, including a 3-1 loss to Uruguay in the quarterfinal.

“The backline needs to be more organized,” said The Guardian football writer Steve Nixon. “They can’t afford to make the same mistakes against Argentina and Brazil.”

What Happens Next: Paraguay’s Path to the 2026 World Cup

Paraguay’s qualifying campaign begins in earnest with their September 7 match against Argentina at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. A win would be a huge morale booster, but Paraguay will need to consistently challenge for points against all three rivals.

Here’s the full qualifying schedule for Paraguay:

If Paraguay finishes in the top two of their group, they will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup. If they finish third, they will enter the intercontinental playoffs, competing against one of the top four teams from the other confederations.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches played in 16 cities across the three countries. The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, and will feature an expanded 48-team format, including a new group stage with 16 groups of three teams.

Key Takeaways: Paraguay’s Road to 2026

• Provisional squad announced: 23 players named, with 17 based abroad, including Fernández and Gómez.
• Tough qualifying group: Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador make this one of the most competitive groups in CONMEBOL.
• Midfield void: The retirement of Rodrigo Rodríguez leaves a gap that Pérez and Valdez must fill.
• Defensive concerns: Paraguay’s backline was their weakest area in 2022 and must improve to avoid early elimination.
• First test: Argentina: The September 7 match will set the tone for Paraguay’s campaign.
• Direct qualification required: Finishing top two is the only way to avoid playoffs.

How to Follow Paraguay’s Qualifiers

For the latest updates on Paraguay’s World Cup qualifiers, follow these official sources:

• CONMEBOL official website – Full qualifying schedule and results
• FIFA World Cup 2026 official page – Tournament format and qualifying rules
• Paraguay Football Association – Team news and announcements
• ESPN Soccer – Match previews and analysis
• BBC Sport – Live updates and tactical breakdowns