What does the new 34th place mean for Paraguay?

Paraguay's national team reached 34th in the FIFA ranking, climbing seven spots after eliminating Germany in the World Cup 2026 round of 16. The jump marks the Albirroja's biggest progress in decades and places the side among the tournament's strongest contenders.

How was this rise achieved?

The boost came from the dramatic penalty shoot‑out win over Germany, where Orlando Gill shone in the decisive kicks. FIFA's scoring system awards a high value to knockout victories against historic powers, catapulting Paraguay from 41st to 34th. Since Gustavo Alfaro took over, the squad has risen 28 places in under two years, a reconstruction now bearing fruit.

What impact does this have on the next stage?

Although Paraguay fell 1‑0 to France in the quarter‑finals, provisional data confirm the team is back in the top tier of international competitiveness. The Argentine coach extended his contract through the end of Paraguay's World Cup run, providing stability for upcoming challenges.

What does recent form show?

The latest official result was a 2‑1 win over Mexico on 19 Nov 2025. In its last five matches Paraguay posted a 2 W‑0 D‑3 L record, with a two‑game winning streak that fuels the squad's confidence.

How does this affect the leaders?

France used its narrow victory over Paraguay to overtake Argentina for the top FIFA spot. The gap between them is a mere 0.71 points, keeping the battle for the summit open as the quarter‑finals approach. The final ranking will be released on 20 July, a day after the final at MetLife Stadium.

What lies ahead for Paraguay?

With Alfaro's contract secured and morale high, Paraguay aims to cement its ranking position and fight for a place in the tournament's later stages. Fans hope the momentum from the German upset translates into more successes before the World Cup concludes.