The United States will open their home World Cup campaign against Paraguay knowing that the pressure is already on. Hosting the tournament brings excitement, but it also raises expectations. For many fans, simply reaching the knockout rounds will not be enough.
This feels like a huge moment for the USMNT. Playing on home soil gives them a clear advantage, but it also means every performance will be scrutinised. A positive start is vital if they are to build momentum and justify the optimism surrounding this squad.
On paper, the United States have the stronger team. They also have greater expectations. That is why this opening fixture could be more difficult than many people expect.
Paraguay arrive with far less pressure on their shoulders. After returning to the World Cup following a long absence, they can approach this game as underdogs. That status could make them a dangerous opponent for the USA.
The South Americans built their qualification campaign on organisation, discipline and defensive resilience, as mentioned in our Group D preview. They are likely to be overwhelmed by the occasion. Instead, they will look to frustrate the hosts and capitalise on any nerves.
That is what makes this contest so intriguing. One team is expected to win. The other has very little to lose. In tournament football, that can be a dangerous combination.
How to watch USA vs Paraguay
USA vs Paraguay kicks off at 02:00 BST on Saturday, June 13 at the Los Angeles Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC1. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Fans in the United States can watch the match live on FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish, with streaming available via FOX One, the FOX Sports App, Peacock, and select live TV streaming services.
Canadian viewers can follow the USA’s World Cup match against Paraguay live on TSN and CTV, with streaming coverage also available on TSN’s online and mobile platforms.
USA team news
The United States squad boasts an excellent blend of tournament experience, talent and youth. Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun are all set to play key roles against Paraguay.
Pulisic remains the team’s biggest attacking threat. The AC Milan winger will be expected to provide creativity, goals and leadership in the final third. Balogun should lead the line, while Tim Weah offers pace and direct running from a wide position.
Much of the United States’ success could depend on Adams. The midfielder provides balance, defensive protection and energy in the centre of the pitch. If he is fully fit, he gives the Americans a platform to control possession and deal with Paraguay’s counter-attacking threat.
The defence also looks settled. Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest are expected to start in the full-back positions, while Chris Richards should marshal the back line.
There are no major injury concerns heading into the game, which is a significant boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. As a result, the United States should be able to field close to their strongest available lineup for this crucial World Cup opener.
With the pressure of a home World Cup campaign already building, Pochettino will know the importance of making a fast start against a Paraguay side that is likely to be organised and difficult to break down.
United States expected XI:
United States: Turner – Dest, Richards, Ream, Robinson – Adams, McKennie, Musah – Weah, Balogun, Pulisic.
Paraguay team news
Paraguay are expected to stick with the disciplined and hard-working approach that helped them secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro is unlikely to make major changes for this opening clash with the United States.
Much of Paraguay’s attacking threat will come from Miguel Almirón. The experienced winger remains one of the team’s most important players and will be relied upon to provide creativity and drive on the counter-attack.
Julio Enciso is another player to watch. The talented forward has the ability to unlock defences and could be Paraguay’s biggest danger in the final third. His movement and technical quality give the South Americans a different dimension going forward.
In midfield, Andrés Cubas is expected to play a key role. He offers defensive stability and will be tasked with disrupting the United States’ attacking rhythm. Paraguay’s game plan is likely to focus on staying compact and making life difficult for the hosts.
Defensively, Paraguay have built their recent success on organisation and resilience. That solidity will be crucial against a United States side expected to dominate possession and create chances.
There are no major injury concerns heading into the tournament, which means Alfaro should be able to select close to his strongest available lineup. That continuity could prove important as Paraguay look to frustrate the hosts and potentially claim a valuable result.
Paraguay expected XI:
Paraguay: Fernández – Cáceres, Balbuena, Alderete, Alonso – Cubas, Villasanti, Gómez – Almirón, Enciso, Sanabria.
USA vs Paraguay stats
- The United States have lost just one of their last six meetings with Paraguay.
- Paraguay’s last victory over the United States came in a friendly in 2011.
- The teams last met in 2024, with the United States claiming a 1-0 victory.
- The United States are appearing at their 12th FIFA World Cup.
- Paraguay are playing at their first World Cup since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.
- The United States have progressed from the group stage in four of their last five World Cup appearances.
- Paraguay conceded fewer than one goal per game during their successful qualification campaign.
- Christian Pulisic is the leading scorer in the current United States squad.
- Miguel Almirón has been directly involved in more international goals than any other player in the current Paraguay squad.
- The United States have home advantage and are playing in a World Cup hosted on American soil for the first time since 1994.
USA vs Paraguay prediction
The United States will be desperate to make a positive start to their home World Cup campaign. With expectation levels rising ahead of the tournament, three points in the opening match would immediately ease the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
While the United States are favourites, this is unlikely to be a straightforward contest. Paraguay arrive with a strong defensive record and have built their recent success on organisation, discipline and resilience.
The hosts should enjoy more possession and create better chances. Players such as Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah have the quality to cause problems for any defence. If the United States can move the ball quickly, they should be able to find gaps in the Paraguay back line.
From Paraguay’s perspective, the game plan will be simple. They will look to stay compact, frustrate the hosts and create opportunities through Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso on the counter-attack.
However, the pressure surrounding the United States could actually work in their favour. Playing in front of a home crowd should provide an extra boost, especially if they can score the opening goal.
Paraguay are more than capable of making this a competitive match, but the United States appear to have too much quality across the pitch. As a result, a home victory looks the most likely outcome.
A 2-0 win for the United States would give the hosts the perfect start to the tournament and put them in a strong position to take control of Group D.
