USA vs. Paraguay: World Cup Preview & Lineup Predictions

Charlie Zschau Updated: 3 hours ago

The United States begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon, taking on Paraguay.

The United States Men's National Team have high hopes for the 2026 World Cup heading into their first match of the tournament against Paraguay.

The United States has been okay in the build up to the tournament, with one victory over Senegal and three defeats to Belgium, Portugal and Germany so far in 2026.

Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man roster for the World Cup has faced some minor scrutiny as the Argentine only picked four true central midfielders. He'll have a lot to prove to the nation in terms of performances, and that starts in the first game against Paraguay.

The USA's main man is Christian Pulisic, and he's going to need to play well to get the casual fans behind the team. Other key members of the roster are midfielders Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, who must maintain their fitness throughout the tournament because they are significantly more talented than their backups.

Good news for the Americans is the Chris Richards, the 2026 UEFA Conference League-winning center back is fit to play after missing the end of Crystal Palace's season with an ankle injury. Richards should play in between the USA's 38-year-old captain, Tim Ream, and 21-year-old Alex Freeman in defence.

In net, Pochettino has shown to favor MLS goalkeeper Matt Freese in the USMNT's recent international fixtures. Freese emerged as the No. 1 after the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and has not done anything to suggest he should not be the American's first choice keeper.

The United States are favorites to win Group D, but Paraguay are a not a pushover in CONMEBOL, and cannot be overlooked.

The United States defeated Paraguay 2-1 in their last meeting back in November 2025, but the intensity of an international friendly does not compare to that of a World Cup.

Paraguay are 2-1 so far in 2026, and led by Atlanta United winger Miguel Almiron. This Paraguayan side will be familiar with playing in the United States since four members of the squad play their club games in MLS - the most of any country other than the United States and Canada.

22-year-old attacking midfielder Julio Enciso is doubtful against the Americans due to a thigh contusion, and if he is not fit, lots of the playmaking burden will be put on Almiron, Mauricio, and Matias Galarza.

Both teams will be hungry to get off to a winning start, so the opening match in Group D should have plenty of excitement.

Read the latest Prediction and Best Bets for USA vs. Paraguay from Spotlight Sports Group on site.

USA vs. Paraguay Start Time, Date & location

The USA will host Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (8:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM MT / 6:00 PM PT).

USA's Starting Eleven Prediction

		ST Folarin Balogun

LM Christian Pulisic		CAM Malik Tillman		RM Sergino Dest

	CM Tyler Adams		CM Weston McKennie

LB Antonee Robinson				RB Alex Freeman
	CB Tim Ream		CB Chris Richards
		GK Matt Freese

Paraguay's Starting Eleven Prediction

	ST Antonio Sanabria		ST Mauricio

LM Matias Galarza				RM Miguel Almiron
	CM Andres Cubas		CM Diego Gomez

LB Junior Alonso				RB Juan Caceres
	CB Omar Alderete		CB Gustavo Gomez
		GK Roberto Fernandez