Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gómez, from Brighton, assembled an ideal South American team for the 2026 World Cup and surprised by including six compatriots: Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Andrés Cubas, Julio Enciso, Miguel Almirón, and Antonio Sanabria. In an interview with journalist Christian Martin, Gómez set up a formation with three defenders and left out any Brazilian player, a five-time world champion. The team also includes Argentines Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, and Lionel Messi, as well as Ecuadorian Moisés Caicedo and Colombian Luis Díaz.
Optimism, however, contrasts with the concern generated by Omar Alderete's injury. Last Saturday, during the match between Sunderland and Everton for the 37th round of the Premier League, the defender felt severe abdominal pain at the 22nd minute and had to be substituted. Alderete, who was coming off a semester marked by physical issues, left the field walking but with a frustrated expression. The English club has not yet released an official medical report, and the coaching staff of La Albirroja, led by Gustavo Alfaro, awaits information to know if the defender will be available for the World Cup.
Paraguay is in Group D of the Cup, alongside the United States, Australia, and Turkey. The debut is scheduled for June 11.