Paraguay have qualified for six previous World Cup Finals, but have never been past the last 16.
They fell at that stage 1-0 in the two previous tournaments to teams who went on to reach the final - champions France in 1998 and Germany in 2002.
Star striker Roque Santa Cruz was a major injury doubt after suffering knee ligament damage last season but he insists he is now fully fit, while one of the few other recognisable names in the squad, Diego Gavilan, did not have a happy spell at Newcastle.
Midfielders Julio Dos Santos and Edgar Barreto were part of the Olympic squad which claimed a silver medal in Athens in 2004.
Coach: Anibal Ruiz
One to watch: Nelson Valdez
World ranking: 33
Previous tournaments: 6
Best finish: Second round (1986, 1998, 2002)