TL;DR — Who's Better, England or Paraguay?
England are favored over Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, with our AI model projecting a 48% win probability for England versus 33% for Paraguay (and 19% for a draw). The edge is driven primarily by England's higher squad chemistry, though Paraguay remain capable of an upset on tournament form.
The Bottom Line
England hold a slight edge over Paraguay, driven primarily by their superior squad chemistry. However, Paraguay possess the quality to cause an upset, particularly if their high morale translates into a disciplined performance on the day.
Key Differences: England vs Paraguay
- •FIFA Ranking: England sit 47 places higher on the FIFA ranking (#5 vs #52).
- •Squad Chemistry: England have stronger squad cohesion (77/100 vs 66/100).
- •Average Squad Rating: England carry the higher average player rating (7.2 vs 6.6).
- •International Experience: England bring more combined caps to the squad (719 vs 604).
- •World Cup Titles: England have won 1 World Cup; Paraguay have 0.
Who Wins?
Our AI model weighs form, squad quality, and team cohesion to predict the most likely outcome.
How They Compare
A side-by-side look at the key factors that could decide this matchup. Higher is better (except FIFA Ranking, where lower = stronger).
What do these mean?
- Chemistry — How well the squad plays together as a unit. Think Barcelona's tiki-taka vs a random group of all-stars.
- Familiarity — How long these players have been playing together. Squads with years of shared experience read each other's runs instinctively.
- Stability — How consistent the tactical system and lineup have been. Frequent coaching changes and formation experiments hurt this score.
- Morale — The squad's current confidence and momentum. Recent wins, fan support, and media positivity all contribute.
England
Paraguay
Squad Comparison
Key Player Matchups
World Cup History
England vs Paraguay — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win between England and Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup?
England are favored, with a 48% projected win probability versus 33% for Paraguay and a 19% chance of a draw. The edge comes from a combination of FIFA ranking, squad chemistry, and current form.
What are England's strongest attributes versus Paraguay?
England lead Paraguay in squad chemistry, team familiarity, tactical stability, squad morale. Paraguay do not lead in any of the four chemistry metrics.
What is the World Cup history of England versus Paraguay?
England have appeared in 16 FIFA World Cups and won 1 title; Paraguay have appeared in 9 World Cups and won 0 titles. England's best finish is Winners; Paraguay's best finish is Quarter-finals.
Have England and Paraguay faced each other in major international competition?
England and Paraguay have not been frequent opponents in our tracked head-to-head record set, which focuses on the most consequential international rivalries. The 2026 World Cup could provide one of their first high-stakes meetings on the global stage.
Which players will define the England versus Paraguay match?
Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal, rated 8.2/10) and Julio Enciso (Paraguay, Brighton, rated 7/10) are the standout attack players in this fixture. Their individual duel — and the ability of each side's defense to contain the other's top attacker — is likely to determine the outcome.
Which squad has more international experience: England or Paraguay?
England carry the more experienced squad, with 719 combined senior caps versus 604 for Paraguay. Average squad rating is 7.2 for England and 6.6 for Paraguay.