FIFA World Cup 2026 Paraguay: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Paraguay’s 16-year wait is over. After missing three straight World Cups, the Guaraní are back and they have landed in what may be the tournament’s most intriguing group. Group D pairs them with co-hosts United States, a resilient Australia, and Türkiye, who earned their place through the UEFA playoffs.
Paraguay claimed the sixth and final automatic CONMEBOL berth, finishing level on 28 points with Colombia, Uruguay, and Brazil before goal difference split the table.
Manager Gustavo Alfaro, the experienced Argentine who previously guided Ecuador and Costa Rica, has rebuilt Paraguay into a difficult team to beat. They arrive ranked 40th in the FIFA World Rankings as of April 1, 2026, with real belief behind them after home qualifying wins against both Argentina and Brazil.
The World Cup 2026 Paraguay campaign carries the weight of a nation that has been absent too long and is hungry to prove the wait was worth it.
Paraguay World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Paraguay runs on Paraguay Time (PYT), which is UTC-3 year-round. Paraguay abolished daylight saving time and has stayed permanently on UTC-3 since 2024. US Eastern Daylight Time in June is UTC-4, so Paraguay is one hour ahead of ET for all three group matches.
| Date | Opponent | Time (Local/PYT) | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | United States | 10:00 PM | 9:00 PM ET | Los Angeles Stadium |
| June 19, 2026 | Türkiye | 1:00 AM (June 20) | 12:00 AM ET (June 20) | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium |
| June 25, 2026 | Australia | 11:00 PM | 10:00 PM ET | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium |
Paraguay open against the co-hosts in Los Angeles, then play their final two group games at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. The top two teams from Group D advance to the Round of 32, and the eight best third-placed teams across all groups also advance, so a third-place finish is not necessarily the end of the road.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Paraguay
Trece and Unicanal hold free-to-air broadcast rights for the tournament in Paraguay, meaning every national team match should be available on open television at no cost.
GEN TV and Popu TV also carry coverage as part of the official broadcasting package. For viewers outside Paraguay, FIFA+ streams selected matches globally at no charge.
How to Stream the World Cup 2026 in Paraguay
The digital arms of Trece and Unicanal are expected to carry live streams through their respective apps and websites. FIFA+ is the most reliable free international option, available on web browsers, iOS, and Android. For Paraguayan fans based in the United States, the FOX Sports App, Tubi, and Fubo all carry FOX’s group stage coverage.
| Platform | Language | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trece / Unicanal apps | Spanish | Free | Primary Paraguay broadcasters |
| GEN TV / Popu TV | Spanish | Cable/satellite | Additional coverage |
| FIFA+ | Multiple | Free | Selected matches, global |
| FOX Sports App / Fubo (USA) | English | Subscription | For Paraguay fans in the USA |
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Paraguay
Three stations hold official radio broadcast rights for the tournament in Paraguay. Radio Ñandutí is the flagship audio partner, delivering live commentary and post-match reaction through its app and digital platforms.
Radio 780 AM covers the games within the wider Megacadena network, and Radio La Tribu (650 AM) rounds out the official lineup with live AM signal and digital streaming. All three will cover Paraguay’s group matches in full.
Paraguay World Cup History and Record
Eight appearances, a quarter-final in 2010, and a presence at the very first World Cup in 1930. Paraguay carry more World Cup pedigree than most people give them credit for, and 2026 marks their ninth overall. Roque Santa Cruz is the all-time leading scorer with 32 international goals. Paulo da Silva holds the appearances record with 148 caps.
1930 brought a debut loss to the United States (3-0) but a win over Belgium.
1950 ended in another group exit. Paraguay returned in 1958, losing to France 7-3 but beating Scotland 3-2 and drawing Yugoslavia 3-3 before finishing third in their group and exiting. A 28-year absence then followed before their 1986 return.
1986 saw Paraguay end that absence with wins over Iraq (1-0) and a draw with Mexico (1-1, both goals Romerito), before Roberto Cabañas scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Belgium to advance. England eliminated them 3-0 in the round of 16.
1998 in France delivered their most iconic moment: goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert, who took free kicks and penalties for his country, became a global icon before Laurent Blanc’s golden goal in the 114th minute ended their run against the eventual champions.
A round of 16 exit against Germany followed in 2002 and a group stage elimination in 2006.
2010 in South Africa was the peak. Paraguay topped a group containing Italy, Slovakia, and New Zealand, then beat Japan 5-3 on penalties in the round of 16 after 120 goalless minutes. In the quarter-finals, Spain’s David Villa scored the only goal.
They hit the woodwork and had a penalty saved. The eventual champions ended the greatest run in Paraguayan football history. Three consecutive absences in 2014, 2018, and 2022 followed before Alfaro brought them back.
| Year | Stage | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Group Stage | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1950 | Group Stage | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1958 | Group Stage | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1986 | Round of 16 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 1998 | Round of 16 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 2002 | Round of 16 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2006 | Group Stage | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2010 | Quarter-Finals | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Overall record across 30 matches (8 tournaments through 2010): 7 wins, 9 draws, 10 losses, 32 goals scored, 38 conceded.
Paraguay World Cup 2026 Predictions and Analysis
Group D is competitive but not unwinnable. The United States carry co-host pressure and a young squad still searching for consistency. Australia have lost key figures since their 2022 semi-final run. Türkiye are talented but prone to dropping points in groups. Paraguay, the team nobody has seen at a World Cup in 16 years, arrive with a settled shape and a manager who knows how to organise a side in tournament football.
Alfaro’s system is built on defensive solidity and quick transitions. A low block, compact shape, and counters through the wide channels define his approach. The qualifying numbers back this up: 7 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses over 18 CONMEBOL matches, with only 10 goals conceded.
They are hard to beat and efficient in front of goal when given space. Check the full Group D breakdown for more context on how this group could unfold.
Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras) captains the side from centre-back. More than 88 senior caps, aerial dominance, and a composure that anchors the entire defensive structure.
Diego Gómez (Brighton) has registered 10 goals across 34 appearances in all competitions this season. He is the engine in central midfield.
Julio Enciso (RC Strasbourg) is the creative spark: the 21-year-old moved from Brighton on a permanent deal (transfer fee undisclosed; reported at under £10 million after medical renegotiation) and brings a long-range shooting ability that can change a game in a single moment.
Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) provides width and work rate in transition.
Antonio Sanabria (US Cremonese) leads the line as the target striker.
The opener against the United States is the match that defines the group. A point from that game repositions the entire picture. Paraguay have the tools to absorb pressure and punish on the break. Advancing to the Round of 32 is the baseline expectation.
Reaching the Round of 16 is genuinely possible if Enciso and Diego Gómez hit form at the right moment.
Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
What group is Paraguay in at the 2026 World Cup?
Paraguay are in Group D with the United States, Türkiye, and Australia. Their three group stage matches take place from June 12 to 25, 2026, across Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.
When is Paraguay’s first match at the 2026 World Cup?
Paraguay’s first match is June 12, 2026, against the United States at Los Angeles Stadium, kicking off at 9:00 PM ET (10:00 PM local time in Paraguay). It is one of the most anticipated group openers of the entire tournament.
How did Paraguay qualify for World Cup 2026?
Paraguay finished sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying with 7 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses across 18 matches, totalling 28 points. A 0-0 draw with Ecuador on the final matchday confirmed their qualification. Home wins against Argentina and Brazil were the defining moments of their campaign.
How can I watch Paraguay for free at the 2026 World Cup?
In Paraguay, Trece and Unicanal broadcast the tournament free to air. FIFA+ also streams selected matches globally at no cost through its app and website.
Who is Paraguay’s head coach at World Cup 2026?
Gustavo Alfaro, an Argentine manager, leads Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup. He previously took Ecuador to the 2022 World Cup and also managed Costa Rica in between his international appointments.
What is Paraguay’s best World Cup result?
Paraguay’s best finish is the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. They beat Japan on penalties in the round of 16 and lost 1-0 to eventual champions Spain in the last eight.
Do I need a visa to travel to the USA for World Cup 2026?
Paraguayan passport holders require a B-1/B-2 tourist visa to enter the United States and are not covered by the Visa Waiver Program. Visit the US Embassy in Paraguay for current application requirements.
Who are Paraguay’s key players at World Cup 2026?
The key names are captain Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), midfielder Diego Gómez (Brighton), and attacking midfielder Julio Enciso (RC Strasbourg). Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) and striker Antonio Sanabria (US Cremonese) complete the core group Alfaro relies upon.
Paraguay have earned their return to the world stage through discipline, belief, and a qualification campaign that silenced doubters at every turn.
The World Cup 2026 Paraguay squad is not here to make up the numbers. Alfaro has built a team with a clear identity, and Group D is far from closed before a ball is kicked in Los Angeles.
