Former Newcastle United attacker Miguel Almiron is having an international break to remember.
While he is no longer one of Newcastle United’s main attackers, Miguel Almiron is still a star for Paraguay.
The year started with uncertainty for the 31-year-old. Eddie Howe was ready to sell the speedster, but his destination was unknown. Eventually, Almiron re-joined Atlanta United. It was an emotional homecoming, as Almiron returned to the MLS for a fee of around £10million.
Almiron is idolised at Atlanta United, while he is also a hero for his country. He has won more than 50 caps for Paraguay, and now looks set to add to that tally on the grandest stage of all.
Miguel Almiron celebrates Paraguay qualifying for the World Cup.
Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images
Miguel Almiron achieves World Cup qualification
That is because Almiron and Paraguay are going to the 2026 World Cup.
They were in World Cup qualifying action on Thursday night, drawing 0-0 with Ecuador. That point was enough to guarantee Paraguay’s place at next summer’s tournament, which takes places in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
For Paraguay, it will be their first World Cup since 2010. For Almiron, it will be his first World Cup ever.
The winger could not hide his delight, expressing how happy he was to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on his official Instagram account.
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Following that crucial draw with Ecuador, Almiron posted: “God’s timing is perfect. “With constant hammer strike even iron breaks.” Happy to achieve together the goal, with faith, patience and perseverance, Paraguay is back where it deserves. Let’s go for more! Next stop WORLD 2026! I love you Paraguay!!!”
Toon defender Sven Botman replied to the post with two clapping emojis, while ex-Newcastle centre-back Florian Lejeune wrote ‘congratulations Miggi’.
The Newcastle United players who have already qualified for the World Cup
As it stands, Bruno Guimaraes is the only current Newcastle United player who looks set to go to the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil have already booked their place, while Bruno looks nailed on to be selected by Carlo Ancelotti. Joelinton will hope to join him, but that will depend on how he performs this season.
When it comes to former Newcastle United players, Almiron will be joined at the 2026 World Cup by Chris Wood. New Zealand have qualified through the Oceanian section.
There will likely be a lot more current Toon players at the tournament come next summer. The likes of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade will hope to be there with England, Italy and Germany respectively.
However, the UEFA qualifiers for the World Cup are only just getting started.