Julio Enciso
Strasbourg · CONMEBOL Libertadores · Midfielder · #19 · Paraguay · 21 yrs
Julio Enciso news
Paraguay eliminate Germany: First World Cup exit to a South American side since Ronaldo’s Brazil in 2002
Paraguay eliminated Germany following a thrilling penalty shootout, markin Germany's first World Cup exit to a South American side since Ronaldo's Brazil in 2002. Paraguay has written a historic new chapter in World Cup lore, stunning Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The result is equally monumental for the European giants, who suffered their first knockout-stage exit at the hands of a South American opponent since facing Ronaldo Nazario’s legendary Brazil squad 24 years ago. Julio Enciso opened the scoring for Paraguay in the 43rd minute, filtering into the box to bury a sharp header off a well-placed cross from Matias Galarza. While Kai Havertz later answered with a header of his own to equalize for Germany, Die Mannschaft couldn’t find a regulation winner, ultimately falling in the ensuing shootout to seal their elimination. The loss goes down as one of Germany‘s most bitter World Cup disappointments, marking their first elimination by a South American nation in over two decades. The last time the Germans were sent packing by a CONMEBOL team was the 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama, where Ronaldo Nazario scooped up the Golden Boot by scoring both goals in Brazil‘s 2-0 triumph. Since that 2002 final, Germany’s World Cup exits had all come from European foes, falling in the semifinals to Italy in 2006 and Spain in 2010 before lifting the trophy against Argentina in 2014. While Die Mannschaft did endure humiliating, early first-round departures in both 2018 and 2022, those failures notoriously occurred during the group stage rather than the win-or-go-home knockout rounds. Ronaldo of Brazil celebrates after scoring against Germany. In fact, Germany’s modern knockout record against South American opposition had been nearly flawless prior to Monday’s collapse. Before that 2002 defeat to Brazil, their last knockout-stage loss to a CONMEBOL nation also occurred on the grandest stage, the 1986 World Cup final, when they fell to Diego Maradona’s iconic Argentina squad. South American teams prove to be Germany’s Kryptonite in 2026 Despite the lack of high-quality chances Paraguay generated throughout the match, Germany simply could not dismantle the defensive wall the South American side constructed. For a European powerhouse that spent years dominating the international landscape, CONMEBOL opponents have officially become a massive headache for Die Mannschaft this summer. After opening the tournament with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao and a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast, Germany ran into a buzzsaw against Ecuador, dropping a 2-1 decision that marked their first-ever group-stage loss to a South American team. Now, by crashing out against Paraguay, the Germans have also seen a legendary streak snapped: since the modern Round of 16 format was introduced in 1986, Germany had never lost its opening match of the knockout stage.
Who, when and where will Paraguay play in the Round of 16?
In a thrilling penalty shootout, Paraguay eliminated Germany and will play in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Paraguay secured a historic upset over Germany at Gillette Stadium in Boston, eliminating a perennial heavyweight from the 2026 World Cup in a thrilling penalty-shootout thriller. With a coveted ticket to the Round of 16 officially punched, La Albirroja has their knockout path mapped out, with only the specific identity of their next opponent left to be decided. In a match where Die Mannschaft stood as heavy pre-kickoff favorites, Paraguay broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute by forcing a high turnover, allowing Matias Galarza to deliver a pinpoint cross that Julio Enciso emphatically headed home. With Paraguay sitting deep to preserve the lead in the second half, Florian Wirtz unpicked the lock with a cross that Kai Havertz glancingly deflected with his head to level the score. With regulation resolving in a stalemate, the match proceeded to extra time, where Germany‘s Jonathan Tah seemingly poked home a 2-1 winner, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. In the ensuing high-stakes penalty shootout, Paraguay ultimately held their nerve to claim the monumental victory. Paraguay’s next opponent With their spot in the World Cup Round of 16 officially locked down, the South American underdogs will advance to face the winner of the blockbuster knockout clash between France and Sweden, who square off the following day. The Round of 16 matchup is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at 5 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Anthony Elanga #11 of Sweden and Kylian Mbappe #10 of France. France cruised into the knockout rounds on the back of a perfect group-stage campaign, topping their group with convincing victories over Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1). Conversely, Sweden squeaked through as one of the tournament’s top third-place finishers, weathering an inconsistent 4-point group run that featured a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia, a heavy 5-1 loss to the Netherlands, and a gritty 1-1 draw with Japan. Sitting at No. 2 in the FIFA World Rankings, France enters the knockouts as a premier title favorite for the 2026 crown. Their terrifying frontline is spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, who have logged four goals apiece as Les Bleus launch their pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. Sweden, meanwhile, is navigating a transitional and inconsistent period under manager Graham Potter after qualifying via the grueling UEFA playoffs. Across his first nine matches at the helm, the Englishman has posted a balanced 3-3-3 record, with star strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres still searching for their first goals of this World Cup, leaving Anthony Elanga to carry the torch as the squad’s primary attacking catalyst.
Germany vs Paraguay confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game
Germany and Ecuador are clashing at Boston Stadium in the 2026 World Cup, with both teams going all out for a place in the Round of 16. Germany is set to square off against Paraguay on Monday, June 29th, in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash at Boston Stadium. As Die Mannschaft launches its pursuit of a fifth World Cup title, the South American underdogs will go all out to keep their tournament dream alive on the game’s biggest stage. Germany enters the knockout stage following a group stage campaign that included dominant wins over Curacao (7-1) and the Ivory Coast (2-1), alongside a shocking 2-1 upset at the hands of Ecuador, marking the first time a South American nation has ever defeated them in the group stage. After snapping their post-2014 curse to finally advance past the opening round, the Germans are now focused on restoring the program to its traditional powerhouse status. Paraguay, meanwhile, punched its ticket to the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s top third-place finishers. La Albirroja rebounded from a heavy 4-1 loss against the USMNT to secure a crucial 1-0 win over Turkey and a gritty, scoreless draw against Australia. Competing in their first World Cup in 16 years, the South American side is aiming to replicate their historic 2010 run, which saw them reach the quarterfinals. In a major boost for Paraguay, star playmaker Miguel Almiron returns to head coach Gustavo Alfaro’s starting XI. The Atlanta United star was issued a costly red card during the group stage match against Turkey, forcing him to sit out the group finale against Australia due to a one-game suspension. With his ban now served, Almirón slides right back into the lineup to spearhead La Albirroja‘s attack. Juan Jose Caceres of Paraguay battles for the ball with Aziz Behich of Australia. Nagelsmann calls for a ‘perfect match’ against Paraguay Having conceded just twice during the group stage, Paraguay rode a resilient, defense-first identity into the knockout rounds, presenting a structural blueprint that will be incredibly difficult to break down. For Nagelsmann, navigating this defensive minefield means Germany will need to execute flawless football to avoid another unexpected setback. During Sunday’s pregame press conference, Nagelsmann broke down Paraguay’s direct, physical approach and issued a clear directive to his squad: “They try to stay compact, win their duels, and look to contest the second balls. When they win that second ball, they play direct, trying to look for space in behind. They have very good players, they defend well, and they are strong, physical footballers. We need a perfect match tomorrow.” Confirmed lineups for Germany and Paraguay Germany’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown; Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz; Deniz Undav.Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann. Paraguay’s confirmed lineup (4-5-1): Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Jose Canale, Junior Alonso; Miguel Almiron, Damian Bobadilla, Andres Cubas, Matias Galarza Fonda, Julio Enciso; Gabriel Avalos.Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro.
Paraguay vs Australia: Confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group D game
Paraguay and Australia clash on Matchday 3 of Group D at the 2026 World Cup, with everything on the line in a high-stakes battle for a spot in the Round of 32. The stakes could not be higher at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium as Paraguay and Australia face off in their final Group D fixture. Both nations enter this crucial 2026 World Cup Matchday 3 showdown knowing they control their own destiny in the race for a ticket to the knockout stage. After a brutal start to the tournament—suffering a heavy 4-1 loss to the USMNT in their opener—Paraguay showed immense character to bounce back on Matchday 2, grinding out a vital 1-0 victory over Turkiye to keep their World Cup ambitions fully alive. For Australia, the path was exactly reversed. The Socceroos kicked off their campaign in style with a convincing 2-0 win over Turkiye, but subsequently fell by the same 2-0 scoreline to the United States, setting up this winner-take-all finale. Because of how the group has unfolded, this closing match functions as a strict must-win scenario for Paraguay. A draw would ultimately benefit Australia, who currently hold the upper hand in the standings thanks to a superior goal differential. Connor Metcalfe #8 of Australia celebrates a goal vs Turkiye. (Getty Images) Paraguay confirmed lineup Argentine manager Gustavo Alfaro will be forced to alter his starting XI due to a massive tactical blow as Miguel Almirón is suspended after picking up a red card against Turkiye. In his absence, Paraguay will lean heavily on the explosive creative talents of Julio Enciso and Gabriel Avalos to spearhead the attack. Paraguay’s confirmed starting XI: Orlando Gill; Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Alexandro Maidana; Diego Gomez, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza, Julio Enciso; Gabriel Avalos. Australia confirmed lineup Despite holding the statistical advantage in the qualification race where a draw suffices, Australia has no intention of playing defensively. Manager Tony Popovic is set to field a highly aggressive, attack-minded side spearheaded by teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda. Australia’s confirmed starting XI: Patrick Beach; Aziz Behich, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington, Jordan Bos; Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill; Connor Metcalfe, Cristian Volpato; Nestory Irankunda.
How to watch Paraguay vs Australia in USA: 2026 Tournament, Live Stream, TV & Preview
Paraguay and Australia will meet in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch this clash live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Paraguay vs Australia on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Paraguay vs Australia WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT • Thursday, June 25, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Paraguay enters this final group stage match with its destiny firmly in its own hands. After a gritty 1-0 victory over Turkey, secured despite playing with ten men for half the match, the South American side has demonstrated immense defensive resolve. A single point is all that stands between them and a guaranteed spot in the knockout rounds, and their tactical approach will be built around that objective. With creative forward Julio Enciso in fine form, they possess the quality to punish any opponent on the break. Australia finds itself in a similar position, sitting second in the group on goal difference. After a convincing win against Turkey was followed by a controlled 2-0 defeat to the USA, the Socceroos know that avoiding a loss is paramount. The stakes for this clash are unique; a draw is a mutually beneficial result that would see both nations advance to the Round of 32. This unusual dynamic sets the stage for a fascinating tactical battle where caution may be the primary strategy for both teams. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The tournament trajectories of these two nations have been built on pragmatism. Paraguay has leaned on the defensive foundations that served them so well in qualification, conceding very few goals and capitalizing on key moments. Their performance against Turkey, where they held on for a win despite being a man down, highlights their resilience and organizational strength. Australia, meanwhile, has shown it can handle expectations against lower-ranked teams but struggled to create meaningful chances against the host nation, pointing to a potential weakness in their attack. The tactical clash will likely be a chess match centered on risk management. Paraguay is expected to deploy a compact, deep-lying defensive block, content to absorb pressure and frustrate the opposition. They will look to spring forward quickly on the counter, using the pace and dribbling ability of Julio Enciso. This puts the onus on Australia to break them down, a task they found difficult against the United States. The game will be won or lost in how effectively Australia can penetrate Paraguay’s disciplined defensive shape without leaving themselves vulnerable. Ultimately, the core motivation for both squads is securing passage to the knockout stage. With a draw guaranteeing that outcome, neither manager will be eager to commit players forward and risk a costly mistake. Expect a cautious opening, with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity. The match will likely play out as a low-event, strategic affair where preserving the 0-0 scoreline becomes more valuable as the clock ticks down, as four points is the magic number for advancement. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Paraguay and Australia have no history in official competitive matches, making this their first-ever encounter with tournament stakes on the line. Their only previous meetings have been three international friendlies, with the most recent taking place in 2010. In those games, Australia holds a slight edge, having recorded two wins to Paraguay‘s zero, with one match ending in a draw. While direct head-to-head data is limited, we can look at their records against similar opposition. Australia has historically struggled against South American teams in the global tournament, failing to win in five attempts, with four losses and a single draw. Their last such encounter was a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2022 tournament. Conversely, Paraguay has o
Your World Cup scouting: Bouaddi at Brighton? Or a possible return for Undav?
James: I want Scotland's Scott McTominay and France's Kylian Mbappe - haha! Chris: I keep seeing our current and ex-club players doing so well at the World Cup, such as Sweden's Yasin Ayari (need to keep him), Paraguay's Julio Enciso (why did he leave?) and Germany's Deniz Undav (why did he leave as well?).
Is Christian Pulisic playing? USMNT vs Paraguay confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game
The confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup match USMNT vs Paraguay, with Christian Pulisic in the lineup. With the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup already behind some teams, the time has come for the USMNT to make their debut in the competition against Paraguay in Group D, with Christian Pulisic ready to start. This group may easily be the most balanced in the entire tournament, with no team being a clear favorite over any other. For the USMNT, the good feeling they left in the match against Germany despite the 2-1 loss could give them confidence. They were also able to beat Paraguay in a friendly last November. It should be a historic day for Paraguay too, as they are coming back to the highest level, where they have not been since 2010. Their main concern was not a small one, but Julio Enciso was confirmed after the injury he suffered in his team’s farewell friendly. The lineups Mauricio Pochettino opted for this lineup for the USMNT: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman; Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic; Folarin Balogun. Enciso could be on the bench (Christian Alvarenga /Getty Images) Gustavo Alfaro picked this lineup for Paraguay: Orlando Gill (GK); Juan Cáceres, Omar Alderete, Gustavo Gómez (c), Júnior Alonso; Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Damián Bobadilla, Miguel Almirón; Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso. Their group The USMNT and Paraguay were placed in Group D with Australia and Turkey, who began the competition on June 13.
Paraguay 2026 World Cup preview: Squad breakdown, key player, and tactical analysis
Full preview of Paraguay for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Paraguay is officially returning to the global stage after a 16-year absence, ending a drought that spanned three consecutive tournaments. La Albirroja brings its trademark defensive grit to the competition, aiming to frustrate the world’s premier soccer nations. Currently ranked 40th internationally, the South American squad stabilized a rocky qualification cycle to secure its spot among the FIFA World Cup 2026 teams. Placed in a highly competitive group alongside the United States, Turkey, and Australia, expectations are firmly set on reaching the knockout rounds. This World Cup 2026 team preview covers everything you need to know about the squad heading into the tournament. We will break down their defensive structure, highlight star playmaker Julio Enciso, and analyze the depth that makes them a difficult opponent. Team profile CoachGustavo AlfaroCaptainGustavo GomezNicknameLos Guaraníes, La AlbirrojaFIFA ranking40thConfederationCONMEBOLGroupDBest World Cup resultQuarter-finals (2010)World Cup appearances9Last World Cup appearance2010 How Paraguay play The Paraguay formation typically shifts between a structured 4-4-2 and a 4-2-3-1, relying heavily on a disciplined low block when out of possession. Under their current leadership, the team prioritizes defensive solidity over expansive soccer. This deep, compact shape makes them incredibly difficult to break down. During qualifying, La Albirroja conceded an average of just 9.83 shots and 0.56 goals per match. They are comfortable sacrificing the ball, averaging merely 38% possession across their qualification campaign. However, this Paraguay tactical analysis highlights that their defensive commitment severely limits their attacking output. They generated the fourth-lowest expected goals (xG) in South American qualifying, managing just 10.83 shots per game. This lack of offensive production means they rarely dictate the pace of a match through sustained possession. In transition, the team relies on quick counter-attacks to threaten opponents. Playmakers like Julio Enciso provide the necessary creative spark to turn defensive stops into scoring opportunities. Ultimately, this tactical approach suggests their tournament success hinges on keeping matches tight and capitalizing on limited chances. Gustavo Alfaro: The coach behind Paraguay Gustavo Alfaro took charge in August 2024 and immediately transformed a chaotic squad into a highly organized unit. Known across South America as “The Professor,” the Paraguay coach is a tactical disciplinarian who prioritizes defensive structure. His extensive resume includes managing major Argentine clubs like Boca Juniors and San Lorenzo. On the international stage, he brings valuable tournament experience, having previously guided Ecuador through the 2022 global competition and recently managing Costa Rica. His pragmatic approach is perfectly suited for international knockout soccer, where avoiding mistakes often outweighs expansive attacking play. Alfaro is widely viewed as a savior by supporters after ending the nation’s long qualification drought. His pragmatic leadership and ability to orchestrate massive upsets against regional giants will be the defining factor in how far this team can advance this summer. Key player: Julio Enciso While the roster features several established professionals, Julio Enciso stands out among the Paraguay key players. The 22-year-old forward operates in a highly fluid role, typically starting on the left flank or centrally as a number 10. Currently playing for Strasbourg on loan from Brighton, Enciso serves as the primary creative engine for his national side. He has recorded four goals in 31 international appearances, including crucial match-winners during the qualification cycle. Julio Encima of Paraguay (Getty Images). His ability to roam into the half-spaces and attack defende
Paraguay win final friendly 4-0 over Nicaragua with Enciso injury concern
Paraguay won the friendly match against Nicaragua 4-0, but left worried about Julio Enciso's injury. Paraguay bid farewell to their fans in a friendly match against Nicaragua ahead of their World Cup debut against the United States on June 12. While the 4-0 victory was convincing, the most important moment of the night was the injury to Julio Enciso, which raised alarm within the team. From the opening minute, it was clear that Paraguay were the better side. While they built a two-goal lead in the first half, the main story of the day was Enciso’s reaction. The creative midfielder stopped play, punched the grass in pain, and grabbed the back of his right leg before leaving the field in tears with an injury that could be a tear or it may just be a knock. Manager Gustavo Alfaro opted to make 10 substitutions at halftime to spread the minutes around. Even with the changes, Paraguay did not lose their attacking intent, as the bench players looked eager to show their quality. That helped complete a clear 4-0 win and give the fans reason to feel optimistic.