Maurício could debut for Paraguay before Brazil starts

maurício could step onto the World Cup stage for Paraguay before Brazil has played a match. The Palmeiras midfielder was called up by Gustavo Alfaro for the 2026 World Cup, and that selection puts him in position for a first tournament appearance in Group D against the United States in Los Angeles on Friday, 12.

Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguay call

Maurício was born in São Paulo, built his career in Brazilian football with Internacional and Palmeiras, and later became a naturalized Paraguayan. He chose to represent Paraguay internationally, and Alfaro included him in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The timing is what makes the call notable. If Alfaro uses him against the United States, he would play his first World Cup match before Brazil’s debut on Saturday against Morocco.

Brazilian football in Paraguay’s squad

Paraguay’s roster also carries a strong Brazilian footprint. Seven players in the squad play in Brazilian football, including Gustavo Gómez, Junior Alonso, Damián Bobadilla, Fabián Balbuena, Isidro Pitta and Ramón Sosa.

That group gives Paraguay a squad with a direct connection to the league Maurício knows best. He arrives as a midfielder from Palmeiras, but his World Cup path now runs through Paraguay’s opener in Los Angeles, where his first appearance would come before Brazil has even begun its campaign.

Friday, 12 in Los Angeles

Paraguay opens Group D against the United States on Friday, 12, in Los Angeles. Brazil follows on Saturday against Morocco, which is why Maurício’s selection carries a rare edge: he can get on the field in the tournament before the country where he was born takes its first step.