Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL MIGUEL ALMIRÓN PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Miguel Almirón is one of those players who have put Paraguay back on the world football map. His speed, talent, and Guaraní grit made him a key player for both his national team and Newcastle United. After his time in the Premier League, Paraguayan fans are wondering: will Miggy be in top form for the 2026 World Cup? In this article, we analyze his current form, the outlook for the Paraguayan national team, and the real chances of the left-footed player participating in the most anticipated tournament on the planet.
Paraguay Seeks Return to the Elite: The Paraguayan national team hasn't played in a World Cup for over a decade. Their last appearance was in South Africa 2010, where they reached the quarterfinals with a golden generation led by Santa Cruz, Cabañas, and Valdez. Since then, the Albirroja (Paraguay's nickname) has experienced ups and downs, but with the expansion of the 2026 World Cup—which will feature 48 teams—their chances of qualifying are once again realistic. Almirón's Role in the Qualifiers: Miguel Almirón remains the team's offensive engine. His ability to break lines, his change of pace, and his vision make him a lethal weapon. During the qualifiers, he has been directly involved in more than 30% of Paraguay's goals, either scoring or assisting. Although his national team hasn't had an ideal start, Almirón's role remains fundamental. He has played more than 55 international matches for Paraguay since his debut in 2015. He scored his first goal for the Albirroja in 2018 against Mexico. At Newcastle, he averages more than 2.5 kilometers covered per game in high-intensity sprints. In the 2022-23 season, he was chosen as Premier League Player of the Month. At 32 years old for the 2026 World Cup, Almirón would arrive with experience and still possess good speed. His physical and mental preparation will be key for Paraguay to return to the world's top competition.
The attacking soul of the Albirroja: Miguel Almirón represents the modern type of footballer who combines sacrifice and talent. At Newcastle, he has shown that he can adapt to a physical, intense, and tactically demanding style of football. His style is based on speed, constant pressure, and the ability to create danger from the wings or starting from midfield. How he transforms Paraguay's attack: When Almirón comes into action, Paraguay gains mobility and depth. His understanding with players like Enciso and González offers an interesting mix of youth and experience. In addition, his European experience gives him a different perspective on the game, which translates into leadership within the dressing room. He averages 1.8 chances created per game for the national team. His dribbling success rate exceeds 65%. He has noticeably improved his finishing, with a 40% shooting accuracy in the Premier League. His goal involvement percentage for Newcastle is around 25% in recent seasons. Tactically, Almirón has become a more complete player. Previously, he relied heavily on his speed, but now he has a better grasp of the tempo, knowing when to accelerate and when to link up with teammates. His maturity is evident both on and off the field, and that's precisely what Paraguay needs to face the tough South American qualifiers.
Between the Premier League and the Paraguayan National Team: Miguel Almirón has established himself in the Premier League as one of the hardest-working and fastest attacking midfielders. His work ethic is admired by both his teammates and his manager, Eddie Howe. That same winning mentality could be the driving force behind Paraguay's bid to qualify for the World Cup once again. Challenges and Motivations Heading into 2026: Almirón's main challenge will be staying injury-free and maintaining his competitive edge. The Premier League is demanding, but it also provides him with the necessary experience to stay at the highest level. Furthermore, his connection with the national team, especially with the new young players, could be the key to balancing experience and renewed energy. He could reach 80 international caps before the 2026 World Cup. He is Paraguay's third all-time leading assist provider in World Cup qualifiers. He has been nominated twice for the Best Paraguayan Player Abroad award. He won the MLS Cup with Atlanta United in 2018, earning MVP honors in the final. In short, everything indicates that Miguel Almirón has a strong chance of making the 2026 World Cup squad, provided Paraguay qualifies. His talent, consistency, and leadership could be the fuel that propels the Albirroja towards their long-awaited return. And if there's one thing that characterizes Miggy, it's his passion for defending his country's colors with a smile and contagious intensity.
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