FIFA World Cup 2026™ Opposition Spotlight: Paraguay

Australia take on Paraguay in their final Group D match at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Friday, 26 June at 12:00pm AEST.

This will be the sixth encounter against the Paraguayans. Moreover, Australia face off against a South American opponent at the major tournament for the sixth time and are still searching for their first win at the Finals after a 0-0 draw and 3-1 defeat against Chile in 1974 and 2014 respectively, a 2-0 loss against reigning champions Brazil in 2006, a 2-0 setback versus Peru in 2018, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss against eventual winners Argentina in the round of 16 four years ago.

Current FIFA Ranking: 40

FIFA World Cup Finals

FIFA World Cup Appearances: 9 (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2026)

Paraguay have qualified for nine FIFA World Cup Finals after booking their place to the 2026 iteration. It is the nation's first appearance in 16 years, having qualified in four consecutive tournaments between 1998 and 2010.

Best Finish: 2010 - Quarter-finals

La Albirroja's most successful performance at the FIFA World Cup occurred in their most recent participation. The small South American nation remarkably reached the quarter-finals in South Africa, topping Group F which contained Italy, who failed to advance to the knockout stage. They then beat Japan 5-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the round of 16, before falling to eventual winners Spain 1-0 courtesy of an 83rd minute finish from David Villa. 

Most Games: Denis Caniza and Roque Santa Cruz – 12

Denis Caniza and Roque Santa Cruz share the record for most appearances at the tournament. Caniza went to four FIFA World Cups: 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz appeared at three editions: 2002, 2006, and 2010.

Most Goals: Nelson Cuevas – 3

Nelson Cuevas holds the record for most goals with three, scoring twice against Slovenia in 2002 and found the back of the net once against Trinidad & Tobago in 2006.

FIFA World Cup 2026™  Qualification Record

Played: 18
Wins: 7
Draws: 7
Losses: 4
Goals scored: 14
Goals conceded: 10

Key players

Antonio Sanabria is one of the country's most recognisable attackers and plies his trade with Cremonese in Serie A. The 30-year-old's best attributes are his technical ability and skill in finding space in and around the box which makes him a solid goal poacher. Sanabria has also experienced strong spells at Real Betis in LaLiga and Torino in Serie A.

Premier League fans will remember creative midfielder and winger Miguel Almiron from his six-year stay at Newcastle United. Now the 32-year-old plies his trade with Atlanta United, returning to the very club where he attracted interest from the Magpies in the first place. Most of Paraguay's build up comes through Almiron and he will be one player the CommBank Socceroos will be looking to curtail his influence.

Captain Gustavo Gomez has 88 caps to his name and is the leader at the back. After one season at Milan which didn't quite work out, the centre-back has found a home with Brazilian giants Palmeiras where he has performed impressively since 2018. Gomez, who has won three Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles and also captains the São Paulo side, has built a reputation on his tenacity, physicality and tackling, while still being comfortable in possession.

Head Coach

Gustavo Alfaro has been at the helm since August 2024. The Argentinian tactician helped guarantee a successful qualification campaign after succeeding fellow countryman Daniel Garnero midway through the CONMEBOL qualifiers. His appointment coincided with famous wins over South American powerhouses Brazil and Argentina to finish in sixth spot or equal third on the table with 28 points.

The 63-year-old has plenty of experience in the dugout, primarily in his homeland in the Argentina Primera División, winning league titles with Arsenal de Sarandi and Boca Juniors. Since 2020 he has ventured onto the international scene and coached Ecuador at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has also been in charge of Costa Rica prior to joining Paraguay.

Previous meeting

Australia and Paraguay have faced off five times with the most recent meeting occurring in an October 2010 friendly when David Carney's sweet, left-footed strike secured a 1-0 win in Sydney. The preceding four matches included three draws and a win, meaning the Green and Gold have never lost to Los Guaranies. 

FIFA World Cup Canada, Mexico, United States 2026™ - Australia's Group D Matches