Who Is Paraguay's World Cup Squad? Meet the Team That Beat Germany

WorldCup.NYC Editorial — June 29, 2026

José Canale — The Penalty Hero

Defender José Canale scored the decisive spot kick in the shootout that sent Paraguay through, sparking wild celebrations. A no-nonsense centre-back known more for his defensive work than his finishing, Canale's composure from 12 yards in the biggest moment of his international career is exactly the kind of story that defines World Cup folklore. "Today was a game we really needed to show our true colours," Canale said after the match.

Julio Enciso — The Goalscorer

Enciso opened the scoring with a 42nd-minute header from Matías Galarza's cross, punishing a sluggish Germany in the first half. Enciso is one of Paraguay's most talented attacking players and has been on the radar of several European clubs. His goal against Germany is now the signature moment of his international career — the goal that started the biggest upset of the tournament.

Orlando Gill — The Wall in Goal

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was central to the entire night, in both controversial and heroic ways. He was the player at the centre of the disallowed Jonathan Tah goal — adjudged to have been fouled by Waldemar Anton in the build-up — and then made the saves needed to keep Paraguay in the shootout. Gill's performance over 120 minutes plus penalties was the foundation the entire upset was built on.

Gustavo Alfaro — The Manager

Head coach Gustavo Alfaro set his team up in a tight, compact 4-4-2 with 11 men typically behind the ball — a defensive masterclass that nullified Germany's possession and territorial dominance for the better part of two hours. Paraguay had just 25% of possession but created as many genuinely dangerous chances as Germany did. This is coaching discipline at its most effective: a clear plan, executed for 120 minutes without panic, even after conceding.

The Bigger Picture — How Paraguay Got Here

Paraguay qualified from South American qualifying and were drawn into a tough Group D alongside the USA, Australia, and Türkiye. They lost their opener 4-1 to the USA, then ground out a 1-0 win over Türkiye (playing a man down for the entire second half) and a battling 0-0 draw with Australia to advance as one of the eight best third-place teams.

That defensive identity — disciplined, organized, willing to sit deep and absorb pressure — is exactly what they brought against Germany. It is, by some margin, the best defensive performance any team has produced at this World Cup.

What's Next

Paraguay advance to face the winner of France vs Sweden (June 30, MetLife, 5pm ET) in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia. If France win as expected, Paraguay will face Mbappé and a French side many consider the tournament favorite. After Tuesday night, nobody is writing them off completely.