United States v Paraguay Prediction: 9/4 Balogun can break Red & Whites resistance

USA have not played a competitive game since the summer of 2025, but they will be under pressure to secure maximum points against Paraguay in their World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.

There is a balanced feel to Group D with USA, Paraguay, Turkey and Australia all fancying their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.

However, the Stars and Stripes are likely to feel added expectation as they strive to impress the home fans and attempt to improve on their round of 16 exit at Qatar 2022.

High-profile head coach Mauricio Pochettino was brought in to provide top-level skills in the USA dugout, but his 21-month spell in charge has featured plenty of ups and downs.

Pochettino's side reached the final of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, which they co-hosted, before losing 2-1 to Mexico.

They will be up against strong opposition this summer, starting with a tricky task against progressive Paraguay, who had to fight back from a slow start to World Cup qualifying.

They took just five points from their opening five World Cup qualifiers, but they responded superbly and eventually punched their ticket to the finals with a game to spare.

United States v Paraguay Tips Summary

Best Bet - USA to win @ 21/20
Alternative Bet - Folarin Balogun to score anytime @ 9/4
Bet Builder - Christian Pulisic to have a shot on target, Omar Alderete to be carded, & Under four goals @ 13/2

United States v Paraguay Prediction

Best Bet: USA to win @ 21/20

USA have been far from convincing since the turn of the year, but they should have a little too much firepower for Paraguay in a fascinating contest.

Preparations for the big kick-off have been far from perfect for Pochettino's side, who have lost three of four friendlies since the turn of the year.

USA suffered March losses to Belgium (5-2) and Portugal (2-0), but competed much better in warm-up games against Senegal and Germany - beating the former 3-2 before losing 2-1 against the 2014 champions.

And, having tested themselves against high quality sides, the USA may notice a drop in class during the early stages of their World Cup adventure.

Paraguay have improved under 63-year-old head coach Gustavo Alfaro, who led them to home wins over Brazil (1-0), Argentina (2-1) and Uruguay (2-0) during qualifying.

However, they were far less convincing on their World Cup qualifying travels, winning on just one of nine occasions.

The Red & Whites have developed a solid backline, anchored by Sunderland central defender Omar Alderete, but they lack top-class attacking players and could fall short in their opening assignment.

Alternative Bet: Folarin Balogun to score anytime @ 9/4

Folarin Balogun has established himself as USA's first-choice number nine, which is no mean feat given the considerable competition.

He netted 13 goals for Monaco in Ligue 1 last term and looks as likely as anyone to breach the stiff South Americans; backline.

United States v Paraguay Bet Builder Tip

• Christian Pulisic to have a shot on target

• Omar Alderete to be carded

• Under 4 goals

  Pays 13/2

USA's most experienced attacker is AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, who has netted 33 goals in 86 internationals.

Pulisic looks ready to thrive on the biggest stage and he can at least force a save out of Paraguay's first-choice keeper Orlando Gill.

Efforts to contain the USA attack will be led by Alderete, who excelled for the Black Cats in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

However, the 29-year-old was sent off during last November's 2-1 friendly loss to the USA, and he may struggle to avoid an early World Cup caution.

Paraguay are a tough side to break down and they can limit the USA to a low-scoring success.

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Key Match Stats

• Both sides have scored in seven of the USA's last eight internationals

• USA have won five of their seven meetings with Paraguay

• Paraguay's last four competitive games have all featured less than three goals

• USA have scored in eight of their last nine matches

• Each of Paraguay's four losses in World Cup qualifying were by a 1-0 scoreline

• Paraguay have scored less than two goals in seven of their last nine fixtures

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.