Julio Enciso

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Julio Enciso: Paraguay's Young Dynamo Poised for World Cup 2026 Impact

Julio Enciso, the 22-year-old Paraguayan attacking midfielder, has firmly established himself as a key player for both his club, Strasbourg, and the Paraguay national team. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Enciso's blend of raw talent, electrifying pace, and growing experience positions him as a crucial figure in Paraguay's ambitions.

Current Form & Season Performance

The 2025-2026 season has seen Julio Enciso demonstrate significant attacking prowess for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Conference League. In Ligue 1, Enciso featured in 27 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists, accumulating 1,892 minutes on the pitch. His performance has earned him an average FotMob rating of 6.99, highlighting his consistent contribution. Notably, he had a spectacular outing on May 17, 2026, against Monaco, registering 3 assists in a 5-4 victory and earning a 9.5 FotMob rating. Just days before, on May 13, he contributed an assist in a 2-1 away win against Brest, and on May 10, he scored a goal in a 1-1 draw against Angers.

In the UEFA Conference League, Enciso also made 10 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists, playing 688 minutes. His overall club statistics for the 2025-2026 season across all competitions stand at 10 goals and 12 assists from 39 appearances. These numbers underscore his improved output and creative influence in the final third.

World Cup 2026 Prospects

At 22 years old (born January 23, 2004), Julio Enciso is entering his prime, making the 2026 World Cup an ideal stage for him. He is a prominent figure in the Paraguay national team, having already earned 31 caps and scored 4 goals. He has been a consistent presence in World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL matches, scoring 3 goals in 9 appearances. Enciso also participated in the Copa América 2024, scoring 1 goal in 3 appearances, and the Copa América 2021 (2 appearances).

Enciso's role in the national team is expected to be vital. He is considered a player who can bring back the "Paraguayan essence," combining defensive commitment with modern attacking flair. His ability to create scoring opportunities and take shots on target has been recognized by analyses that place him among the best U-21 players globally for creativity and finishing effectiveness in 2024. Given his current form and age, he is almost certain to be a starter for Paraguay, offering dynamism and a direct attacking threat.

Playing Style & Tactical Analysis

Julio Enciso is a versatile attacker capable of playing as an attacking midfielder (centre or left), a left winger, or a forward. His playing style is characterized by:

• Strengths:
• Dribbling: Very strong, he loves to dribble and takes on defenders frequently, showcasing excellent ball control and the ability to manipulate space.
• Pace and Movement: Possesses electrifying pace and intelligent off-the-ball movement, making dangerous runs behind defenses and disrupting opposition backlines.
• Counter-attack Threat: His speed and directness make him a significant threat on counter-attacks.
• Shooting from Distance: Likes to shoot from distance and has demonstrated a frightening eye for goal with powerful long-range shots. He was even nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award 2023 for a wonder goal against Manchester City.
• Gets Fouled Often: His directness and dribbling ability often lead to him being fouled by opponents.
• Versatility: Can adapt to different attacking roles, including central forward, second striker, attacking midfielder, or winger on either flank.

• Weaknesses:
• Passing: Identified as a weak aspect of his game.
• Finishing: Despite his eye for goal, his finishing can be inconsistent.
• Crossing: Another area noted as weak.
• Offside Awareness: Can improve in his understanding of offside traps.
• Defensive Contribution: Acknowledged as a weak point, though he is committed and effortful in pressing and tracking back.
• Receiving under Pressure: Can be vulnerable when receiving the ball with his back to goal under pressure.

He prefers to operate in central positions just outside the box, where he can exploit space between midfield and defense, driving into the box, linking up, or taking long shots. Enciso is also a tenacious presser, making him valuable in winning back possession high up the pitch.

Key Stats & Milestones

• Age: 22 years old (Born January 23, 2004).
• Current Club: Strasbourg (Ligue 1).
• National Team: Paraguay.
• International Caps: 31 for Paraguay senior team.
• International Goals: 4 for Paraguay senior team.
• World Cup Qualification Goals: 3 goals in 9 appearances.
• Copa América Goals: 1 goal (Copa América 2024).
• 2025-2026 Club Season (Strasbourg - all competitions):
• Appearances: 39
• Goals: 10
• Assists: 12
• Ligue 1 2025-2026: 27 appearances (5 as substitute), 3 goals, 6 assists, 1,892 minutes.
• UEFA Conference League 2025-2026: 10 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists.
• Career Milestones:
• Made senior debut for Libertad at 15 years old.
• Nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award 2023.
• Recognized as the second-best U-21 player globally for creativity and effectiveness in finishing plays in July 2024.

Expert Predictions

Pundits and analysts largely view Julio Enciso as a player with immense raw talent and significant potential for the 2026 World Cup. There is a general consensus that while his performances at Strasbourg have shown flashes of brilliance, he still needs to consistently match his talent. One prediction suggests that if Paraguay is to cause an upset, Enciso would likely be the one to create the magic. His ability to "disappear for eighty minutes and then suddenly score the goal of the tournament from thirty yards out" highlights his game-changing potential, albeit with room for greater consistency. Discussions around the World Cup often include Paraguay as a potential "surprise" team, with Enciso mentioned as a key attacking force alongside Miguel Almirón. His nomination for the Puskás Award indicates his capacity for spectacular moments, which could be crucial in a major tournament. Overall, the outlook is optimistic for Enciso to be a breakout star, provided he can maintain form and consistency leading up to and during the tournament.