Paraguay

• Physical
• Organized
• Defensive discipline
• Set-piece threat

• José Luis ChilavertLegend· Goalkeeper

  Multiple-time IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper, famous for taking — and scoring — penalty kicks and free kicks for both club and country.

• Roque Santa CruzLegend· Forward

  Long-serving Paraguay striker with top-flight careers in Germany, England, and Spain.

• Miguel AlmirónModern Icon· Midfielder

  Premier League midfielder with Newcastle United and one of the most internationally recognised modern Paraguayan players.

Player information reflects historical significance, not current squad selection.

• Penalty Shootout

  Paraguay's disciplined identity is well suited to the psychology of a shootout — see 2010 vs Japan.

  Learn penalty shootouts

• Corner Kicks

  Aerial dominance makes corners a long-running chance creator for La Albirroja.

  Learn corner kicks

• World Cup history

  Paraguay's 2010 World Cup quarter-final run is the high point of their tournament history, including a Round of 16 penalty shootout win over Japan.

• World Cup history

  2026 ends a 16-year absence from the World Cup, with Paraguay's last appearance being the 2010 quarter-final tournament in South Africa.

• Tactical identity

  La Albirroja's identity is built on physical defending, midfield discipline, and the ability to grind out tight matches — a style that has long served them well in CONMEBOL qualification.

1. 2010

   Reaching the quarter-finals

   Paraguay reached the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, the deepest run in their tournament history, including a Round of 16 penalty shootout win over Japan.

2. 1998

   Round of 16 in France

   Paraguay reached the Round of 16 at France 1998, going out to eventual champions France in extra time.

Team information is based on historical records and official FIFA data. Player information reflects historical significance, not current squad selection. Facts are reviewed for accuracy but may not reflect the most recent competition results.