#57
FIFA Ranking
8
WC Appearances
Quarter-finals
Best Finish
2010
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Paraguay secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the South America qualification pathway. As a CONMEBOL representative, they were among 6 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #57 in the FIFA World Rankings, Paraguay enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 8 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group D Analysis
Paraguay has been drawn in Group D and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group D Opponents
United States
FIFA Ranking: #11 • Strong opponent
Australia
FIFA Ranking: #27 • Strong opponent
UEFA Playoff C
Unranked • Unknown opponent
Group D Fixtures for Paraguay
Match 4
Jun 12, 2026
United States
vs.
Paraguay
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Match 26
Jun 19, 2026
UEFA Playoff C
vs.
Paraguay
Levi's Stadium, San Francisco
Match 50
Jun 25, 2026
Paraguay
vs.
Australia
Levi's Stadium, San Francisco
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can Paraguay Win the World Cup?
Paraguay faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For Paraguay, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
Paraguay has appeared in 8 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Quarter-finals, representing their peak performance at the World Cup to date.
They last competed in the 2010 World Cup. Their return to the World Cup stage in 2026 marks a significant moment for the nation.
Multiple World Cup appearances have allowed Paraguay to build experience and learn from both successes and setbacks on football's biggest stage.
Predict Paraguay's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Paraguay play at World Cup 2026?▾
Paraguay will play their first group stage match on June 12, 2026 against United States. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group D with Paraguay?▾
Paraguay has been drawn into Group D alongside United States, Australia and UEFA Playoff C. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Paraguay's best World Cup finish?▾
Paraguay's best World Cup finish is Quarter-finals. They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can Paraguay win the World Cup 2026?▾
While Paraguay faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.