USA vs Paraguay Preview, World Cup 2026: Schedule, H2H Record, Predicted Lineups & Key Players

United States and Paraguay will look to make a positive start when they meet at the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) as they commence their Group D campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup today.

In a group also featuring Australia and Turkey, both the co-hosts and their South American counterparts know that only a top-two finish will guarantee progress to the knockout phase.

One of the three nations co-hosting this summer's World Cup, the United States will hope to make the most of their immense home advantage. Mauricio Pochettino's side were spared the effort of CONCACAF qualifying, giving the Argentinian coach almost two years to prepare. Ranked 16th in the world, the Stars and Stripes are making their 12th World Cup appearance and aiming to at least match their run to the last 16 on home turf back in 1994. They have reached the knockout stage in all of their last three appearances and arrive following an impressive 3-2 warm-up win over Senegal, despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany last weekend.

Paraguay, led by Gustavo Alfaro, are just glad to be making their ninth appearance at the beautiful game's biggest show. Having finished sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying highlighted by a stunning 2-1 victory over world champions Argentina, La Albirroja are making their first global finals appearance since 2010. A highly pragmatic team content to cede possession and prioritize set pieces, they arrive unburdened by the weight of expectation. They boast good form, having won three of their last four matches, including a 4-0 thrashing of Nicaragua last week.

USA vs Paraguay Schedule, Kick-Off Time

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 (Today)
Kick-Off Time: 6:00 P.M. PT (Local Time) / 9:00 P.M. ET/6:30 A.M. IST
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), California, USA

USA vs Paraguay Head-to-Head Record

This marks the first time the USA and Paraguay will meet at a World Cup in 96 years (the USA won that 1930 encounter 3-0). Including that long-distant tournament, Paraguay has won just one of eight World Cup openers to date. Recently, Alfaro's men were beaten 2-1 by the USA in a friendly last November.

USA vs Paraguay Predicted Lineups

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

USA vs Paraguay Key Players

AC Milan star Christian Pulisic remains the key creative outlet and will support Folarin Balogun up front, with the Monaco striker having scored 19 goals across all competitions last season. In defense, veteran captain Tim Ream will marshal the backline.

Paraguay's qualification campaign was built on a rugged defense anchored by Sunderland's Omar Alderete and captain Gustavo Gomez. In attack, key creator Julio Enciso is expected to feature in an advanced role alongside Miguel Almiron to support lone striker Tonny Sanabria, who was La Albirroja's top scorer in CONMEBOL qualifying with four goals.

USA vs Paraguay Score Prediction

USA 2-1 Paraguay

Expect a repeat of these nations' friendly meeting last year, as the USA secures a tight one-goal win on home turf. While the hosts will be tested by a pragmatic and stubborn Paraguayan defense, the energy of the home crowd and superior attacking depth should see the Stars and Stripes edge this Group D opener.