When the stadium lights flickered over the Lusail Iconic Stadium on June 29, 2026, few expected a 19‑year‑old Paraguayan forward to become the match’s headline. Yet Julio Enciso’s clinical finish not only broke the deadlock against a German side that had dominated possession, it sparked a wave of celebration across Paraguay and injected fresh drama into the tournament’s knockout stage.
From Asunción to Lusail: Paraguay’s Road to the Round of 32
Paraguay entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a modest underdog, having qualified for the first time since the 2010 edition. Under head coach Eduardo Berizzo, the team emphasized disciplined defending and rapid{