Paraguay
Alfaro applied Argentine defensive principles to Paraguay's traditional physical style.
Tactical Identity
Moderate
Moderate
physical + aerial
Key Players
Strengths & Weaknesses
+ Strengths
− Vulnerabilities
Recent Form (last 4 years)
World Cup History
Tournament Record
All-Time Record
Manager
Physical defensive structure with aerial threat
Full Squad (25)
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Match Schedule
Related Articles
Late goals defined the World Cup round-of-32, showcasing thrilling finishes and strategic mastery.
Balogun stars in impressive USA win over ParaguayJun 12Forget whether Germany need Klopp. Does Klopp need...Jul 24Jurgen Klopp's appointment as head coach of the German national team comes after their disappointing exit in the 2026 World Cup, where they lost to Paraguay in the round of 32.
France vs England: Two Tournament Heavyweights Meet for Bronze After Semi-Final HeartbreakJul 17France have scored 16 goals — and conceded just 4 — across seven matches, yet their first tournament defeat to Spain exposed a finishing vulnerability that England may look to exploit. England have won five of seven, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sharing 12 goals between them, but conceded eight times — twice as many as France. Both teams score heavily from the second half onward. Both arrive wounded. Sportami identifies the patterns that will shape the World Cup's third-place playoff.
France vs Spain: What the Data Reveals About the World Cup's Most Balanced Semi-FinalJul 14France are unbeaten with six wins. Spain are unbeaten with five wins and a draw. Identical shot volumes. Opposite scoring rhythms. France's shot production has increased through the knockout rounds while their finishing efficiency has declined. Spain, meanwhile, have directed a much larger share of their attempts on target. Sportami computes the patterns traditional previews rarely uncover.
Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 pens): Paraguay stun Germany in penalty dramaJun 29Paraguay pull off a stunning World Cup upset, eliminating Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. Despite Germany's 75% possession dominance, Julio Enciso's 42nd-minute opener for Paraguay forced the favorites onto the back foot. Kai Havertz equalized in the 54th minute, but neither side could find a winner through extra time. Paraguay held their nerve in the shootout, converting 4 of their penalties while Germany missed one, sending the South Americans through to face the winner of France vs Sweden in the Round of 16.
Hosts USA thrash Paraguay with statement opening win as Balogun shinesJun 12Klopp starts Germany stint with a threat to quitJul 24Jürgen Klopp's appointment as head coach of the German national team comes with a four-year contract and a firm stance on family safety, aiming to revive Germany's footballing success after a disappointing World Cup.