Paraguay have announced their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Sunderland defender Omar Alderete, Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez, and Atlanta United forward Miguel Almiron all earning call-ups.

Enciso, who left Brighton for Strasbourg, is also included, alongside Portsmouth's Gustavo Caballero — one of the few Championship-based players to feature in South American World Cup squads this cycle.

Paraguay secured their place at the tournament by finishing sixth in the Conmebol qualification standings — the final automatic berth available — ending a 16-year absence from the World Cup stage. Their last appearance was at the 2010 edition in South Africa.

Group D campaign kicks off against the USA

The tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match scheduled for 11 June. Paraguay are drawn in Group D alongside co-hosts the United States, Turkey, and Australia.

They begin their campaign on 13 June against the United States, with kick-off at 02:00 BST. It will be an emotionally charged occasion as Paraguay make their long-awaited return to football's biggest stage.

Full Paraguay squad

Goalkeepers: Roberto Junior Fernandez (Cerro Porteno), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Gaston Olveira (Olimpia).

Defenders: Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Junior Alonso (Atletico Mineiro), Fabian Balbuena (Gremio), Juan Jose Caceres (Dinamo Moscow), Jose Canale (Lanus), Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Gustavo Velazquez (Cerro Porteno).

Midfielders: Damian Bobadilla (Sao Paulo), Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matias Galarza (Atlanta United), Diego Gomez (Brighton), Mauricio Magalhaes (Palmeiras), Briaian Ojeda (Orlando City), Alejandro Romero (Al Ain).

Forwards: Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Gabriel Avalos (Independiente), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Isidro Pitta (Bragantino), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese), Ramon Sosa (Palmeiras).