South American World Cup risers led by Paraguay pair, ESPN says
ESPN’s Tim Vickery named Orlando Gill, Matias Galarza and three more players whose World Cup showings boosted their profiles.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The South American World Cup risers list has a strong Paraguay flavor after ESPN’s Tim Vickery singled out goalkeeper Orlando Gill and midfielder Matias Galarza among the players who improved their reputations at the 2026 tournament.
Vickery framed the World Cup as a troubling one for CONMEBOL. He wrote that, for the first time, no South American team won a World Cup staged in North America, and said many of the continent’s sides that advanced leaned more on grit than control of games, with Lionel Messi’s Argentina offering only flashes.
He also pointed to the age of most South American squads, with Ecuador the exception, as a concern with the 2030 cycle already looming.
Which South American players raised their stock at the World Cup?
Gill, Paraguay’s 26-year-old goalkeeper, was described by Vickery as perhaps the continent’s biggest breakout name. His starting place was uncertain before the tournament, and Paraguay opened with a 4-1 defeat to the United States, but Vickery wrote that the goals were not on him.
After that opener, Gill conceded only twice across Paraguay’s next four matches, with one of those goals coming from a penalty. Vickery credited him with stepping up when Paraguay’s defensive line was breached.
Gill began at San Lorenzo in Paraguay before moving to the better-known San Lorenzo in Argentina. ESPN reported that he has been linked with clubs in Europe, though Vickery noted concerns about his work away from the goal line and his use of the ball, suggesting he may suit a reactive team more than one defending high up the pitch.
Galarza, also of Paraguay, drew attention of a different kind. Vickery wrote that the 24-year-old left-footed midfielder attracted transfer interest during the tournament after a career that has taken him through Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and MLS, including a loan spell at Atlanta United from River Plate.
His World Cup included the winning goal against Turkey and a right-footed cross for Julio Enciso’s goal against Germany. Vickery also highlighted his defensive work in that match. Fabrizio Romano reported on X that Galarza is attracting interest from European clubs.
Who else made the list?
Colombia midfielder Gustavo Puerta, 23, was another name Vickery said came out of the World Cup well. The youngest player in Colombia’s squad, Puerta was added late after coach Nestor Lorenzo looked for answers following a March defeat to France’s reserves.
Vickery wrote that Lorenzo valued Puerta’s reading of games. The midfielder added defensive cover, connected play around veteran James Rodríguez and offered threat with long-range shooting. Puerta has already played in Germany and England with Hull City, and Vickery noted he helped Racing Santander win promotion to LaLiga.
Ecuador’s Pedro Vite, 24, was highlighted as a low-profile midfielder whose work may have carried farther because of the World Cup. A product of Independiente del Valle, he spent four years with the Vancouver Whitecaps before joining Pumas UNAM in Mexico.
Vickery described Vite as strong in midfield duels and tidy in possession, while adding that he could still bring more to the attacking side of his game.
Brazil midfielder Danilo Santos rounded out the group. Vickery wrote that the left-footer made four substitute appearances in Brazil’s five matches and has played well since returning to Brazil after an injury ended his spell at Nottingham Forest.
According to ESPN Brazil, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Zenit St. Petersburg have shown interest, while Vickery wrote that Danilo would ideally prefer an English club playing in the UEFA Champions League. He has Premier League experience, having impressed before a serious ankle ligament injury, and Botafogo’s transfer needs could make his situation one to watch.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.