Match preview for USA vs Paraguay
The United States begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Friday when they face Paraguay in Los Angeles.
With Australia and Turkey also competing for qualification, neither side can afford a slow start, and three points in the opening fixture would provide a significant boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
As one of the tournament’s co-hosts, the USA have had almost two years to prepare under Mauricio Pochettino after automatically qualifying for the finals. Expectations are high for the Americans, who will be hoping home support can help them enjoy another deep run on football’s biggest stage.
The Stars and Stripes head into the tournament after mixed results in their warm-up fixtures. An impressive 3-2 win over Senegal showcased their attacking potential, but that was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Germany.
Pochettino’s side are competing in their 12th World Cup and will be aiming to at least match the last-16 finish they achieved when hosting the tournament in 1994.
Paraguay arrive with far less external expectation but could prove dangerous opponents. Gustavo Alfaro guided La Albirroja back to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 after securing sixth place in CONMEBOL qualifying.
One of the standout moments of their qualification campaign was a memorable 2-1 vwin over world champions Argentina.
The South Americans were beaten 2-1 by the USA in a friendly last November, but they have responded positively since then, winning three of their last four matches.
Team news for USA vs Paraguay
The USA are expected to line up with a flexible back three, with veteran captain Tim Ream set to marshal the defence.
Chris Richards has recently returned to training following an ankle injury, meaning Miles Robinson and Mark McKenzie are battling for a place alongside Ream in the starting line-up.
Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman are expected to form the core of the American midfield, while captain Christian Pulisic will provide creativity behind striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun enjoyed another productive campaign at club level, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, while Pulisic remains the team’s key attacking figure heading into the tournament.
Paraguay’s success during qualifying was built on their defensive strength, and centre-backs Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete are expected to continue their partnership at the heart of the back line.
Julio Enciso picked up a minor quadriceps issue against Nicaragua but is expected to be available. The attacking midfielder should join Miguel Almiron and Diego Gomez in supporting striker Tonny Sanabria, who finished as Paraguay’s top scorer during qualification with four goals.
Expected line-ups for USA vs Paraguay
USA: Freese; Freeman, M Robinson, Ream; Dest, McKennie, Adams, A Robinson; Pulisic, Tillman; Balogun
Paraguay: Gill; Caceres, G Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Bobadilla, Cubas; D Gomez, Enciso, Almiron; Sanabria
Where to watch USA vs Paraguay: TV channel, online live stream
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time in Los Angeles on Friday, and 02:00 on Saturday morning for those watching in the UK.
The match will be broadcast live on BBC 1, with UK viewers also having access online through BBC Iplayer.
Stats for USA vs Paraguay
- The USA are appearing at their 12th FIFA World Cup.
- The Americans have reached the knockout stage in each of their last three World Cup appearances.
- The USA reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002, their best modern-era finish.
- Mauricio Pochettino’s side defeated Paraguay 2-1 in a friendly in November 2025.
- The United States beat Senegal 3-2 during their World Cup preparations.
- Paraguay are competing in their ninth World Cup finals.
- La Albirroja’s best World Cup performance came in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals.
- Paraguay secured a notable 2-1 victory over Argentina during CONMEBOL qualifying.
- Tonny Sanabria was Paraguay’s leading scorer in qualification with four goals.
- Paraguay have won three of their last four matches heading into the tournament.
Prediction for USA vs Paraguay
Paraguay’s defensive strength should make this a competitive encounter, but the USA possess greater attacking quality and the advantage of playing on home soil.
Pochettino’s side may not have everything their own way, but they are well placed to begin their World Cup campaign with a narrow win.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Paraguay
