Copa America 2024 Team Previews: Paraguay
The 2024 Copa America begins on June 20th in the U.S., with 10 CONMEBOL and six CONCACAF teams set to compete in the tournament. Over the next couple of weeks, we will preview every team playing in the competition. Next up is Paraguay.
Despite having solid teams in the past, Paraguay is currently enjoying somewhat of a dark spell. They are ranked 56th in the FIFA rankings, the second-lowest ranking of all CONMEBOL teams, and currently find themselves in seventh place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers after six games. While not a lot is expected from the Paraguayans, they have reached the quarterfinals of the last two Copas and will be looking to continue that trend this summer.
Copa America Appearances
This will be Paraguay’s 39th Copa America appearance. The first came in 1921.
Best Finish in Copa America
Paraguay has won two Copa America titles. The first was won in 1953 and the second was won in 1979.
Key Players
Newcastle United’s Miguel Almirón is a name that Premier League and MLS fans should recognize. The man who plied his trade at Atlanta United before moving across the pond will look to mark his return to the U.S. with a memorable Copa America run. His playmaking and attacking ability will be heavily relied upon if Paraguay wants to be successful.
Ramón Sosa (Talleres) and Brighton youngster Julio Enciso offer exciting options in the Paraguay attack alongside Almirón. Captain Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras) will also be vital to Paraguay’s success. He is recognized as one of the best defenders in South America and will be relied upon to be Paraguay’s rock in the back.
Manager
Daniel Garnero will be Paraguay’s head coach at this summer’s Copa America. After a professional career that saw him make one cap for Argentina, Garnero began a managerial career that has taken him to multiple teams across Argentina and Paraguay. He took the Paraguay job in 2023.
Biggest Game — vs Colombia on June 24
Paraguay needs a good start to the tournament if they want to advance to the quarterfinals. While they should feel like they can beat Costa Rica, they do not play Los Ticos until the final game in the group, and with Brazil next up for Paraguay, they need to make sure they begin the tournament in a positive way if they want to make it out of Group D.
Prediction
Paraguay was unfortunate with its group draw. It has to play Brazil and Colombia, two teams with the potential to win the whole thing, and it will be a tall task for Paraguay to get out of the group. While I think they pick up some points, I do not see the Paraguayans making it to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive time.
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