Initial Prognoses Feared the Worst. Paraguay's Attacking Engine Makes Unexpected Return Ahead of USA Clash

Pulse Sports Team 19:48 - 11 June 2026

Paraguayan international footballer Julio Enciso has recovered from a muscle injury and will be available for his team's opening Group D match against hosts USA on Saturday morning at the World Cup.

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The Racing Strasbourg midfielder was initially projected to miss the second match of the tournament against Turkey, but his body responded remarkably well to the treatment.

Enciso is a key attacking force for Paraguay, who are making their World Cup appearance after a 16-year hiatus. In the South American qualifiers, he scored crucial goals in valuable draws against Bolivia and Colombia, and also found the net in a home victory over Uruguay.

He also represented Paraguay at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where "La Albirroja" advanced to the quarterfinals.