Paraguay Star Julio Enciso Injured, Doubtful for World Cup Start
Paraguay’s star forward Julio Enciso suffered a double trauma to his ribs, pelvis, and quadriceps during a 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua on June 6, 2026, in Asunción. The 22-year-old Strasbourg player was stretchered off in tears after 20-25 minutes. Coach Gustavo Alfaro confirmed a minimum three-week recovery, meaning Enciso will miss Paraguay’s first two World Cup group matches (vs. USMNT on June 12 and likely Turkey/Australia). His tournament participation remains uncertain, casting a shadow over Paraguay’s return to the World Cup after 16 years.
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Paraguay's Julio Enciso Recovers in Time, Expected to Start Against United States in World Cup Opener
Paraguayan media outlet Unicanal reports that Julio Enciso has fully recovered from injury and is expected to start in Paraguay's 2026 World Cup debut against the host nation, the United States. The match will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday at 10 PM. According to correspondent reports, coach Gustavo Alfaro has finalized the starting lineup, which includes Enciso alongside Antonio Sanabria in attack. The lineup features Orlando Gill in goal, a defense of Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, and Junior Alonso, a midfield of Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Damián Bobadilla, and Miguel Almirón. Paraguay returns to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, and Enciso's rapid return has generated nationwide excitement.
虎扑 - 足球Paraguay Coach Still Undecided on Lineup for World Cup Opener Against United States
Paraguay's head coach Gustavo Alfaro has not yet finalized his starting lineup for the team's first World Cup match against the United States, scheduled for the night of Saturday to Sunday (3 a.m.). The uncertainty stems from the withdrawal of forward Julio Enciso due to a right leg injury sustained in a friendly against Nicaragua (4-0), though he is expected to be available for the second match against Turkey on June 20. Alfaro must reshuffle his attack, with Mauricio Prado and Gustavo Caballero competing to partner Antonio Sanabria up front. In goal, expected starter Gaston Olveira has seen his stock drop, and Orlando Gill is now the favorite. Paraguay will have significant fan support in Los Angeles, with at least 1,200 supporters traveling from Asuncion without issues entering the United States.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuParaguay's Julio Enciso suffers serious thigh injury in World Cup warm-up match
Paraguay's star striker Julio Enciso, known as 'la joya' (the jewel), suffered a serious muscle injury to his right thigh during a friendly match against Nicaragua on June 6, 2026, just days before Paraguay's World Cup debut. The 22-year-old Strasbourg player left the field on a stretcher in tears after 25 minutes. Coach Gustavo Alfaro described it as a double trauma to the hip. Enciso posted on social media that his World Cup dream remains alive. The Paraguayan team confirmed he will remain under medical supervision, with local media reporting he is expected to miss the first two group matches. Paraguay returns to the World Cup after a 16-year absence and debuts against the United States on June 13.
RecordParaguay Star Julio Enciso Injured Days Before World Cup Return
The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) confirmed on June 6, 2026, that star attacker Julio Enciso is under medical follow-up after suffering a muscle contusion in his right thigh during a friendly match against Nicaragua. Enciso, who plays for Strasbourg, left the field in tears on a stretcher just 25 minutes into the game, which Paraguay won 4-0. The injury comes days before Paraguay's World Cup debut on June 12 against the United States, marking the country's return to the tournament after a 16-year absence. Coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed hope the injury is minor, but local press speculates it could be a fibrillar tear that might sideline Enciso for at least the first two group stage matches. The APF stated his return will depend on treatment response and daily evolution.
FútbolParaguay's Julio Enciso injured before World Cup opener vs. U.S.
Paraguay national team star Julio Enciso was stretchered off the field in tears on June 6, 2026, just one week before the team's World Cup opener against the U.S. men's national team. The injury occurred during a training session or match, and the severity is not yet known, but it casts doubt on his availability for the crucial tournament match. Enciso is a key player for Paraguay, and his potential absence would be a significant blow to the team's chances in the World Cup.
Yardbarker: SoccerParaguay star Enciso injured in World Cup warm-up
Paraguay forward Julio Enciso's participation in the World Cup is in doubt after he suffered a double injury during a 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua. Coach Alfaro expressed hope the injury is not serious, describing it as first affecting Enciso's side and then his lower back, which impacted his quadriceps. Enciso, a regular starter in Paraguay's qualification campaign with three goals and two assists, recently joined Strasbourg from Brighton and scored 12 goals in his first season. Separately, Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi will definitely miss the tournament due to a calf injury in training, and the defending champions have not yet named a replacement. Argentina faces Algeria in their World Cup opener on 17 June in Kansas City.
BBC SportParaguay's Julio Enciso injured in World Cup warm-up match
Paraguay forward Julio Enciso's participation in the 2026 World Cup is in doubt after he was injured during a 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua. The 22-year-old former Brighton player was stretchered off in tears in the 25th minute of Paraguay's final warm-up game. Paraguay's World Cup campaign begins on Saturday against hosts USA in Los Angeles. Manager Gustavo Alfaro expressed hope the injury is not serious, describing it as a double injury to Enciso's side and lower back affecting his quadriceps. Enciso has been a regular starter in Paraguay's qualification campaign, scoring three goals and assisting two, and contributed 12 goals in his first season at Strasbourg after joining from Brighton.
BBC SportParaguay Star Julio Enciso Suffers Severe Muscle Tear, Likely to Miss World Cup
Paraguay's core player Julio Enciso announced on Instagram that he has suffered a serious muscle fiber tear in his right thigh, as confirmed by an MRI. The injury is severe enough that he is likely to miss the upcoming World Cup. In his emotional statement, Enciso thanked fans for their support, expressed faith in God, and dedicated his recovery to his late grandfather. He vowed to train hard and return stronger. Further medical examinations are planned to determine the exact extent of the tear. The news is a major blow to Paraguay's national team hopes.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: Paraguay fears for Julio Enciso after injury
Paraguay is facing a major injury scare ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as key striker Julio Enciso was injured during a preparation match against Nicaragua. The Strasbourg forward suffered a serious hip and thigh trauma, with initial reports from ABC Deportes estimating a recovery period of about three weeks. This timeline puts his participation in the early group stage matches in doubt, though a return later in the tournament is possible. Coach Gustavo Alfaro remains hopeful but is awaiting final medical examination results. Enciso joins a growing list of players from other nations—including Hugo Ekitike (France), Lennart Karl (Germany), and Xavi Simons (Netherlands)—who have withdrawn due to injuries as the World Cup approaches.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertParaguay's Julio Enciso injured one week before World Cup opener against USMNT
Paraguay star attacker Julio Enciso was taken off on a stretcher in tears during the 25th minute of Friday's 4-0 victory over Nicaragua, Paraguay's final World Cup warm-up match. The 22-year-old Strasbourg player suffered two simultaneous injuries: a tight hamstring from impact and a waist injury affecting his quadriceps area. Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed hope that the injuries are impact-related rather than muscular, stating Enciso will undergo tests. Enciso scored 12 goals this season for Strasbourg and has four goals in 31 Paraguay appearances. Paraguay faces the USMNT at SoFi Stadium on June 12 in their World Cup opener, followed by matches against Turkey and Australia in Group play.
Soccer - The AthleticParaguay's Julio Enciso Suffers Injury One Week Before World Cup Opener vs. USMNT
Paraguay star attacker Julio Enciso was taken off on a stretcher in tears during the 25th minute of Friday's 4-0 victory over Nicaragua, the team's final World Cup warm-up match. The 22-year-old Strasbourg player suffered two simultaneous injuries: a tight hamstring from impact and a waist injury affecting his quadriceps area, according to head coach Gustavo Alfaro. Alfaro expressed hope that the injury is impact-related rather than muscular and that Enciso could be ready for the World Cup opener against the USMNT on June 12 at SoFi Stadium. Enciso scored 12 goals this season for Strasbourg and has four goals in 31 appearances for Paraguay. Paraguay's Group stage also includes matches against Turkey (June 19) and Australia (June 25).
Soccer - The AthleticParaguay's Julio Enciso suffers injury one week before World Cup opener vs. USMNT
Paraguay star attacker Julio Enciso was taken off on a stretcher in tears during the 25th minute of Friday's 4-0 victory over Nicaragua, the team's final World Cup warm-up match. The 22-year-old Strasbourg forward suffered simultaneous injuries: a tight hamstring from impact and a waist injury affecting his quadriceps. Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed hope that the injury is impact-related rather than muscular, stating Enciso 'got scared' and that tests will determine his availability. Enciso scored 12 goals this season for Strasbourg and has 31 caps for Paraguay with four goals. Paraguay opens Group play against the USMNT at SoFi Stadium on June 12, followed by matches against Turkey and Australia.
Soccer - The AthleticParaguay 4-0 Nicaragua: Enciso Injury Mars World Cup Send-Off Victory
Paraguay defeated Nicaragua 4-0 in a friendly match at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción on June 6, 2026, as their final preparation before the World Cup, which they return to after a 16-year absence. Goals from Alejandro Romero Gamarra (penalty), Miguel Almirón, Matías Galarza, and Alexandro Maidana secured the win. However, the victory was overshadowed by a serious-looking right leg injury to star attacker Julio Enciso, who left the field in tears after 25 minutes. Coach Gustavo Alfaro made 10 changes at halftime, unrelated to the injury. Paraguay will debut in the World Cup on June 12 against the United States, followed by matches against Turkey and Australia.
FútbolParaguayan Striker Julio Enciso Uncertain for World Cup Start After Injury
Paraguayan striker Julio Enciso suffered a double trauma to his ribs and pelvis during a friendly match against Nicaragua, forcing him to leave the field on a stretcher in the 25th minute. Coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed concern, noting the injury also affected his quadriceps and that the emotional factor of potentially missing the World Cup is significant. Paraguayan media ABC reports a three-week absence, which would cause Enciso to miss the first two group stage matches. The injury occurred during the night from Friday to Saturday, and the player's availability for the World Cup start is now uncertain.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuParaguay Star Julio Enciso Injured in Friendly, Out for at Least 3 Weeks
On June 6, Paraguay defeated Nicaragua 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up match, but the victory was overshadowed by an injury to top attacker Julio Enciso. The 22-year-old Strasbourg forward was forced off on a stretcher in the 20th minute after a collision. Coach Gustavo Alfaro confirmed Enciso suffered two impacts, involving the quadriceps, and will be sidelined for at least three weeks. This means he will miss Paraguay's first two World Cup group stage matches against the United States (June 12) and likely Türkiye and Australia. There is a risk he may withdraw from the tournament entirely. Enciso is Paraguay's most valuable player and a key forward.
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