Boca Forward Milton Giménez Set to Join Paraguay Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Bolavip reported that Boca Juniors forward Milton Giménez is starting the process to obtain Paraguayan citizenship. This move is aimed at making him eligible for Gustavo Alfaro’s plans for the 2026 World Cup. The 29-year-old took a break from training this week to focus on the necessary paperwork, which is possible due to his father’s Paraguayan heritage. As Paraguay nears qualification, Alfaro is exploring players to boost his lineup, and Giménez has become a potential candidate.

Paraguay can secure its qualification by either drawing against Ecuador or if Venezuela loses to Argentina in Buenos Aires. If those conditions are not met, another chance will arise in the next match against Peru. Confident of progressing, Alfaro is looking to build a squad with strong offensive options, where Giménez could be a fit given his recent performance in Argentina.

Alfaro’s preference for players from the Argentine league benefits Giménez. This month, he called up forwards Gabriel Ávalos (Independiente), Rolando Martínez (Platense), and Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), as well as Matías Galarza from River and Agustín Sández from Rosario Central. Other Argentine-born players, like Alejandro Romero Gamarra, Andrés Cubas, and Carlos Coronel, who now represent Paraguay, suggest a trend that supports Giménez’s situation.

Within Boca, Lucas Blondel made a similar move earlier this year by switching allegiance to Switzerland, earning time in March friendlies after securing citizenship through his father. Though not part of the latest squad, his example highlights the path Giménez is now considering.

Giménez’s performance aligns with Alfaro’s interest. Since joining in mid-2024, he has played 48 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists. This year alone, he accumulated 1,100 minutes in 23 games, with six goals and three assists, competing for playing time with Edinson Cavani and Miguel Merentiel under coach Miguel Ángel Russo. His stats have placed him on Alfaro’s radar as Paraguay prepares for its return to the global stage.