The 2010 World Cup quarterfinals in South Africa. Paraguay lost 1-0 to eventual champions Spain — one step away from the semifinals. Then, silence. For the next 12 years, Paraguay disappeared. In 2014, 2018, and 2022, this South American side — the one that once gave Italy and Spain nightmares — failed to even reach the qualifying playoff stage. At the 2024 Copa América, they lost all three group matches and finished bottom. Early in World Cup qualifying, they sat seventh — on the brink of elimination.

In August 2024, Argentine veteran coach Gustavo Alfaro stepped in. The 63-year-old pragmatist had previously led Ecuador to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.

Before Alfaro arrived, Paraguay was on the verge of missing out entirely. After taking over, he immediately implemented a "steel defense and rapid counterattack" system. Over 11 matches, Paraguay delivered a stunning record of 5 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss — collecting 20 points. Most remarkably, during that stretch, Paraguay knocked off powerhouse after powerhouse: a 1-0 away victory over Brazil, a 2-1 home win over Argentina, and a 2-0 defeat of Uruguay. Three statement wins, all against top-tier opposition.

Over the 18-match qualifying campaign, Paraguay finished with 7 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses — 28 points — conceding just 10 goals, the second-best defensive record in CONMEBOL. They secured direct qualification as the sixth-place finisher, ending a 16-year World Cup drought.

Paraguay's squad is valued at approximately €136 million. They have no global superstars, but their three lines are balanced and highly pragmatic — a classic case of "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

However, concerns remain. Attacking talisman Miguel Almirón has moved from the Premier League to MLS; his form and fitness at a lower intensity of competition remain uncertain. The team also lacks a top-level goalscorer to finish chances, leading to a low conversion rate.

At the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay has been drawn into Group D alongside Australia, Turkey, and hosts the United States. The four teams are closely matched with no weaklings. The battle to advance will be fierce. On paper, the US has home-field advantage, Turkey has the strongest roster, and Paraguay's most realistic goal is to compete with Australia for third place.