JULIO ENCISO’S World Cup looks like it could be over before it ever started after being stretchered off in Paraguay’s warm-up game with Nicaragua.
The former Brighton winger was carried off in tears after just 20 minutes.
Julio Enciso was in tears as he realised his World Cup dreams could be over Credit: Tigo Sports
The former Brighton man was stretchered off the pitch after just 20 minutes Credit: Reuters
Preocupante imagen en Paraguay: Julio Enciso salió lesionado y llorando en el amistoso ante Nicaragua. pic.twitter.com/IR96duiv6Z
— Fede Cristofanelli (@Cristoffede) June 5, 2026
This was Paraguay’s spectacular send off in their friendly vs. Nicaragua before leaving for the World Cup 🤩🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/M1lQQftR5R
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 6, 2026
The 22-year-old punched the grass in pain before grabbing the back of his right leg as tears streamed down his face. The challenge itself looked fairly innocuous.
are yet to confirm how severe the damage is, but early signs were not promising.
Enciso, who plays for Strasbourg in France these days, has become one of his country’s star players over the past couple of years and was pivotal in bringing them back to their first World Cup in 16 years.
He made 57 appearances for the Seagulls before a loan spell with during their return to the Premier League in 2024.
He moved to Strasbourg – owned by the same BlueCo group that runs – for £17million last summer.
Former star Miguel Almiron, who scored in the 4-0 win over Nicaragua, will now likely step into the void.
The South Americans will face , and one of the host nations, the in Group D.
They are just a week away from kicking off their campaign against the Americans, so time is not on Enciso’s side at all.
World cup heartbreak as Julio Enciso stretchered off in tears just days before Paraguay face USA in Los Angeles Credit: Tigo Sports
Paraguay's best attacker, Julio Enciso, in tears after being carried off vs Nicaragua in their final tune up before the World Cup.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) June 6, 2026
You hate to see that. pic.twitter.com/8kEGqq3m3x
Misfits vs Fame Fighting - Live on The Sun
MISFITS Boxing legends take on Fame Fighting in one of the most anticipated celebrity fight nights of the year!
will be streamed LIVE on The Sun – exclusively to Sun Club members.
Chase DeMoor is the headline act on a night that will see eight fights in Leverkusen, Germany.
HOW TO WATCH:
To watch the event, you can sign up to Sun Club here .
For just £9.99, you’ll receive exclusive access to – plus get a whole year of exclusives, offers and competitions…
18+ Cancel Anytime. T&Cs apply, .
The night quickly went from overwhelming joy to heartbreak for Enciso.
The night’s proceedings were kicked off with a spectacular fireworks display to send the team off to North America.
While many may view Paraguay as the underdogs in Group D, they did beat both Argentina and Brazil en route to qualifying for this World Cup.
They secured South America’s sixth spot at the finals and finished with the same points as ‘s .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
