World Cup co-hosts the USA get their tournament underway with a compelling Group D encounter against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday. This is the opening match for the two sides and the 10th time they have faced each other.
The United States of America are expected to do well as the host nation with the biggest claim to home advantage among the three co-hosts, as 78 games will take place in the USA, while Canada and Mexico will host 13 matches each.
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The Stars and Stripes have had more losses than wins in their most recent games, but it must be said that they have not been afraid to test themselves against top-tier opposition.
In this calendar year, the USA have lost 5-2 to Belgium, 2-0 to Portugal, and 2-1 to Germany, with that loss to the Germans coming in their most recent match last Saturday.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring for Germany in the second minute, with American Antonee Robinson equalizing a few minutes before the break at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Germany went on to win thanks to a 57th-minute goal from Leroy Sane, but the Americans were able to hold their own against a strong contender for World Cup glory.
In their only win of the four matches played this year, the USA beat Senegal 3-2 on 31 May. Goals from Sergino Dest and Christian Pulisic for the Americans were canceled out by a double from Sadio Mane, but Folarin Balogun stepped up to score a second-half winner for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Meanwhile, Paraguay return to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years, having finished sixth in the CONMEBOL qualification standings to claim the final automatic qualification spot.
La Albirroja chose to play only one friendly match in the last few weeks in preparation for the competition, but they secured that victory in style, beating Nicaragua 4-0 on 6 June.
Paraguay’s goals came from Alejandro Romero Gamarra, Miguel Almiron, Matias Galarza, and Alexandro Maidana. That comfortable win will provide a boost of confidence to coach Gustavo Alfaro’s players ahead of this opening encounter with the USA.
The Group D quartet is completed by Australia and Turkiye, setting up some interesting matchups in the next couple of weeks.
USA vs Paraguay head-to-head stats and key numbers
- There have been nine matches between the USA and Paraguay, with the Stars and Stripes dominating the head-to-head record with five wins to two for La Albirroja.
- Before the draw for the 2026 World Cup was known (5 December 2025), Paraguay and the USA faced off in a friendly match in November 2025, with the Americans securing a 2-1 victory.
- Giovanni Reyna and Folarin Balogun scored for Pochettino’s side, with Alex Arce on target for the South Americans.
- The USA are ranked 17th in the world, while Paraguay are 41st in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
USA vs Paraguay prediction
The USA are likely to use their high-pressing, attacking system, which relies on the deadly pace of their forwards and wingers, such as Christian Pulisic, to break down the Paraguayan backline.
Pochettino’s compact defense will need to look out for Paraguay’s counterattacking menace, as they often score from such opportunities.
Star winger Julio Enciso may sit this match out due to a minor thigh issue, which would be a blow to Paraguay’s attacking threat, but their defense has been their major strength under Alfaro, as his low-block defensive structure has been effective.
The Americans will look to make a statement in this first game, and with the home crowd willing them on, we expect the Stars and Stripes to secure a narrow win.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Paraguay
USA vs Paraguay betting tips
Tip 1: USA to win
Tip 2: The USA to score first
Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli