Los Guaraníes Struggled in Recent Matches Against Japan and South Korea
Paraguay arrives in Pennsylvania riding high on the success of World Cup qualification, but seeks to rediscover its scoring touch ahead of next summer's tournament. Under coach Gustavo Alfaro, Los Guaraníes secured the final automatic CONMEBOL berth for the 2026 World Cup, marking their return to the global stage for the first time since 2010. They finished sixth in the grueling South American qualifying campaign, with seven wins, seven draws, and four losses, accumulating 28 points and a positive goal difference.
However, recent form suggests Alfaro has significant work ahead. Paraguay has won just one of their last five matches across all competitions—a narrow 1-0 victory over Peru. More concerning is their attacking struggles, as they failed to score in three of those five contests. Their most recent outing saw them fall 2-0 to South Korea, following a disappointing collapse against Japan, where they surrendered a 2-1 lead with a goal conceded in the 90+4th minute.
The South Americans bring an MLS-heavy roster to Chester, featuring several familiar names for American audiences. Atlanta United's Miguel Almirón headlines the group after his return to MLS following six years with Newcastle United in the Premier League. Real Salt Lake's Braian Ojeda and Vancouver Whitecaps' Andrés Cubas provide additional MLS representation, while defender Omar Alderete has impressed at Sunderland since his summer move. 21-year-old forward Julio Enciso, currently on loan from Brighton to Strasbourg, offers attacking flair.
Veteran defender Gustavo Gómez can make history this weekend, potentially moving into sole possession of eighth place on Paraguay's all-time caps list, surpassing Celso Ayala's mark of 85 appearances.
Paraguay hasn't defeated the United States since a 2011 friendly in Nashville and will be eager to break that drought. Their tactical flexibility—alternating between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations—provides Alfaro options as his team continues preparations for their World Cup return.
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