Andrés Cubas, a midfielder for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, has been selected for Paraguay's final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cubas' inclusion highlights the growing influence of Major League Soccer on international competition as the tournament prepares to launch across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. His selection reinforces his status as a premier defensive presence in the North American league.
Paraguay has finalized a roster consisting of 26 players [1]. Cubas is one of four players currently playing in MLS who earned a spot on the squad [2]. The selection process for the national team focused on defensive stability, and Cubas is regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders in the league [3].
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant expansion for the sport, as the tournament will feature 48 national teams [4]. This expanded format provides more opportunities for players from diverse leagues to showcase their skills on the global stage, a shift that benefits both the players and their respective clubs.
Cubas' role with the Vancouver Whitecaps has positioned him as a critical asset for the Paraguayan national team. By securing a place among the 26 selected players [1], he joins a competitive group of athletes tasked with representing their country in a tournament hosted across three nations.
The presence of four MLS players on the roster [2] underscores the league's ability to develop and maintain talent capable of competing at the highest level of international football. Cubas' journey from the Whitecaps to the world stage serves as a benchmark for other MLS athletes aiming for national team call-ups.
“Andrés Cubas has been selected for Paraguay's final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The selection of Andrés Cubas and three other MLS players for the Paraguayan national team indicates a shift in how South American teams view the North American league. Rather than seeing MLS solely as a retirement destination, national team coaches are increasingly viewing it as a viable environment for players to maintain the peak physical and tactical form required for a 48-team World Cup tournament.
