Paraguay vs. Uruguay: WQC Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Thursday night's CONMEBOL qualification match between Uruguay and Paraguay in Asunción will decide who advances to next summer's World Cup.

With 21 points each, these two countries are expected to qualify for the 2026 North American championships, six points ahead of Venezuela, which is currently outside the top six.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Paraguay is set to advance to its first World Cup since 2010, and its squad, led by Gustavo Alfaro, has found form in its group. La Albirroja has scored nine goals and accumulated eleven points in their last five matches, securing automatic qualification. Paraguay has the most challenging schedule of the top six countries, with Uruguay and Ecuador visiting Asuncion next week, followed by Brazil.

Uruguay has been tough for Paraguay to beat recently, having won low-scoring matches in the 2022 World Cup qualification and the 2021 Copa América. Marcelo Bielsa's team has been on a worrisome slump, with two of their previous three qualifiers ending in 0-0 draws. Uruguay has been in terrible form since last summer's Copa America, but they are lucky to have accumulated so many points earlier in the section and qualify automatically.

In the last twelve months, Uruguay has managed only one victory against Colombia, scoring just once. A win against Venezuela next week will guarantee Uruguay's qualification. Still, they need to step up their game to improve upon their 2022 group-stage exit and compete in the finals next summer.

Paraguay x Uruguay Team News

Almost no one has changed Paraguay's roster since March; the only notable omissions are Saul Salcedo and Alex Arce.

In this match, Mathias Villasanti is expected to earn his 50th cap, while Ruben Lezcano, who has made a striking transfer to Fluminense in Brazil, might make his debut.

Among Paraguay's current roster, Isidro Pitta stands out as the most impressive performer. In his previous 125 minutes of action for Brazilian championship contenders Bragantino, Pitta has scored three goals and added an assist, which should win him a starting spot.

Federico Valverde will not be participating with Uruguay because he wants to devote his full attention to Real Madrid's next Club World Cup campaign.

However, Manuel Ugarte did not contemplate withdrawing after his post-season tour to Asia with Manchester United; the midfielder re-joined the team after that trip.

Here, keep an eye on Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who is currently leading Brazil's Serie A in scoring and has been sensational for Flamengo.

Our Predictions

Full-time draw @ 2.80 on Sky247.ng

Despite Paraguay's recent shift towards a more open style of play, they remain a formidable defensive unit and should have no trouble holding Uruguay to a draw in this match.

This will be another difficult test for Uruguay, who have failed to score in six of their last eight qualifying matches and who must find ways to improve in every facet of their game after trailing Argentina by a significant margin since last summer.

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