2026-06-06
Enciso injured in World Cup warm-up
Star left the Nicaragua win on a stretcher in tears in the 25th minute; Alfaro 'hopeful' it's not serious before facing the USA
Group D · CONMEBOL · FIFA #40 · 301/1
Paraguay
1834Back at the World Cup after 16 years with a gritty, defensively organized side — but the Enciso injury drama threatens their one source of magic on the eve of the USA opener.
Coach Gustavo Alfaro (Argentina) · since 2024-08
Matches
Key players
- Julio EncisoAM · Strasbourg
The headline talent — stretchered off in tears in the final warm-up, World Cup in doubt
- Gustavo GómezCB · Palmeiras
Captain and defensive enforcer
- Omar AldereteCB · Sunderland
Premier League-tested center back
- Diego GómezMF · Brighton
Dynamic midfield runner
- Miguel AlmirónW · Atlanta United
Veteran spark in attack
- Antonio SanabriaST · Cremonese
Experienced focal point up front
Injuries / doubts
- Julio Enciso — simultaneous hamstring and quadriceps/hip injuries vs Nicaragua (June 5); MRI ordered, doubtful for USA opener
Recent form
| 2026-06-05 | Nicaragua | 4-0 W | Friendly |
| 2026-03-31 | Morocco | 1-2 L | Friendly |
| 2026-03-27 | Greece | 1-0 W | Friendly |
| 2025-11-18 | Mexico | 2-1 W | Friendly |
| 2025-11-15 | United States | 1-2 L | Friendly |
| 2025-10-10 | Japan | 2-2 D | Friendly |
News
2026-06-01
Alfaro names battle-hardened squad
Heavy Brazilian Série A core plus Enciso, Almirón and Diego Gómez for the first finals since 2010