The essentials
Paraguay returns to the World Cup after 16 years away, making its 2026 tournament debut.
Paraguay has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation's first tournament appearance in 16 years. The South American team will compete in the group stage alongside the United States, with their opening match held in Inglewood, California.
Paraguay's return to the World Cup represents a significant milestone for the football program, which had been absent from the tournament since 2010. The qualification comes after years of competitive qualifying matches in the CONMEBOL region, where Paraguay secured a berth among the top teams in South America.
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Paraguay ends lengthy World Cup drought with tournament qualification
Paraguay's qualification represents a major achievement for Paraguayan football, breaking a 16-year absence from the World Cup stage. The nation's return demonstrates the competitive strength of South American qualifying, where Paraguay earned its place among the tournament's 32 teams. This qualification marks a watershed moment for the program.
Paraguay joins 2026 field as CONMEBOL secures multiple World Cup spots
Paraguay's inclusion in the 2026 World Cup reflects the depth of talent in South American qualifying, where multiple nations earned tournament berths. As a CONMEBOL representative, Paraguay joins other regional teams in the expanded 48-team format, competing in group stage matches scheduled across North American venues.