Paraguay star Julio Enciso injured one week before USMNT World Cup clash
· Yahoo Sports
Paraguay winger Julio Enciso was stretchered off in tears during Friday's friendly against Nicaragua, sparking fears over his status with just a week until the World Cup begins.
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Enciso is one of the most crucial players for Paraguay, which kicks off the 2026 World Cup on June 12 against the U.S. men's national team in Los Angeles.
Paraguay won Friday's match 4-0 in Asunción, but the win was marred by an injury to Enciso that appeared to be serious.
In the 24th minute of Friday's match, Enciso awkwardly pulled up when attempting to collect a pass. He limped off before collapsing to the turf. The home crowd was silent as the 22-year old was removed on a stretcher.
GENERA PREOCUPACIÓN
— Tigo Sports (@TigoSportsPY) June 6, 2026
😰A los 24 minutos del partido contra Nicaragua, Julio César Enciso se retiró lesionado y llorando, dejando al Defensores del Chaco en silencio.
😓Esto, a una semana del debut de la Albirroja en el Mundial de Norteamérica 2026.#ConTigoAlbirrojapic.twitter.com/oFOIWkBhEM
Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, Paraguay was drawn into Group D along with the USMNT, Australia and Turkey.
On a team that isn't known for scoring many goals, Enciso is a vital creative spark in the attack. The winger has 32 caps for Paraguay, scoring four goals.
At the club level, Enciso just completed his first season in France with Strasbourg, tallying 12 goals in all competitions. Previously, he spent three seasons in the Premier League with Brighton and Ipswich.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Julio Enciso injury: Paraguay star stretchered off vs. Nicaragua