Paraguay's Julio Enciso injured before WC opener vs. U.S.

Field Level Media
06 Jun 2026, 19:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Daniel Jefferson-Imagn Images)

Paraguay star Julio Enciso was stretchered off the field in tears on Friday, just one week before the team's World Cup opener against the U.S. men's national team.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder exited with an apparent leg injury in the 25th minute of a 4-0 friendly win against Nicaragua at Asuncion, Paraguay.

Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro said Enciso will undergo tests and he remained 'hopeful' that the injury was not muscular.

'Julio suffered two simultaneous injuries; a tight hamstring from impact and then on his waist, which affected his quadriceps area,' Alfaro said, per The Athletic. 'He got scared and that's why he came off.'

Enciso, who scored 12 goals this season for Strasbourg in France's Ligue 1, has four goals in 31 career caps heading into Paraguay's first World Cup since 2010.

'When he took the first hit, he signaled to me and I told him to come off. He replied that it was loosening up, but then he took another blow to the waist and that's when he felt the injury,' Alfaro said.

'We hope Julio is alright and he can be ready to return for the opener.'

Paraguay faces the USMNT in its Group D opener next Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Paraguay also will take on Turkey on June 19 and Australia on June 25, both at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Tennis Times.

More Information

Sports

Section

David Beckham backs Japan as World Cup dark horse, relives England glory ahead of 2026 showpiece

London [UK], June 6 (ANI): Legendary English footballer David Beckham has tipped Japan as a potential surprise package at the 2026...

Paraguay's Julio Enciso injured before WC opener vs. U.S.

(Photo credit: Daniel Jefferson-Imagn Images) Paraguay star Julio Enciso was stretchered off the field in tears on Friday, just one...

(SP)FRANCE-PARIS-TENNIS-FRENCH OPEN-GIRL'S SINGLES-FINAL

(260606) -- PARIS, June 6, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Sun Xinran reacts during the girl's singles final match between Sun Xinran of China and...

Group claims Iranian, African journalists denied visas for World Cup

(Photo credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images) 'Many' Iranian and African journalists have been denied the necessary visas to cover the...

Fresh off late fireworks, Dodgers aim to continue run vs. Angels

(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) While the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani was handcuffed by his former team Friday,...

Mets look to continue turning corner at Padres' expense

(Photo credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images) Things have picked up lately for the New York Mets, with the recent play of first baseman...

Lifestyle

Section

On World Environment Day, Dettol Banega Swasth India Showcases How Climate-Resilient Schools Are Helping Children Stay Healthy and Learn Better

BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], June 6: Climate change is increasingly shaping the everyday lives of children. From extreme...