The Paraguay national team has announced its squad for upcoming friendly matches. Gustavo Alfaro, whose contract was recently renewed until 2030, will lead the Albirroja against Bolivia and Colombia.
The team returns to international action after its 2026 World Cup participation. Paraguay, which finished third in its group with four points, will first play Bolivia on September 27 before visiting Colombia on October 2. These matches mark the restart of the cycle following the round of 16 exit against France last July.
Alfaro's Selection
The coaching staff has called up 36 players across all positions. In goal are Lille's Orlando Gill and Olimpia's Gastón Olveira, among others. The defence is led by the experienced Gustavo Gómez of Palmeiras and Omar Alderete of Sunderland, joined by names like Junior Alonso and Juan Cáceres.
The midfield combines the solidity of Andrés Cubas with the youth of Brighton's Diego Gómez. A notable inclusion is Hugo Cuenca of Celta de Vigo Fortuna, who earns his first call-up after his club's promotion to Spain's second division.
In attack, Alfaro is relying on the experience of Miguel Almirón and the potential of Julio Enciso. The forward line is completed by Ramón Sosa, Antonio Sanabria and Robert Morales, offering a variety of options. The national team posted on its social media: "The team led by Gustavo Alfaro returns to international football after its good World Cup. The Albirroja will play against Bolivia and Colombia."
Context and Next Steps
Paraguay approaches these friendlies aiming to solidify the project. The team's recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses in its last five outings. Their next opponent, Bolivia, was their last friendly foe in November 2024, a match that ended in a 2-2 draw.
These games will help assess the squad's condition ahead of the continuation of World Cup qualifying. The first test comes on Bolivian soil in four days' time.
Background and full detail: Diario AS
Colombia's manager, Néstor Lorenzo, confirmed that Luis Díaz will not be in the friendly on October 2. Lorenzo said he decided to give rest to the Bayern Munich winger. The manager, renewed until 2030, called up 26 players, of which only 11 were at the 2026 World Cup. Paraguay, which finished third in its World Cup group with four points, faces Bolivia on September 27.
