United States v Paraguay preview and prediction

Exactly 32 years after the World Cup was first hosted in the United States, ‘Team USA’ is on the eve of their first match at the 2026 World Cup. After Mexico and Canada took to the field on home soil earlier this week, it is the United States’ turn on Saturday, when they face Paraguay in Los Angeles. Fancy finding out everything about this exciting Group D match? In this United States v Paraguay preview, we take a closer look at everything.

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USA v Paraguay preview

The United States will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign with an exciting group stage match against Paraguay. Mauricio Pochettino’s side currently sit 16th in the FIFA rankings and, under the Argentine’s leadership, are hoping to make an immediate impression in front of their home crowd. Christian Pulisic is the key man, whilst Sergiño Dest and Weston McKennie are also vital players for Team USA. Can they lead their country to victory and secure three points in their opening match?

Paraguay are ranked 40th in the FIFA rankings and are relying on the experience of captain Gustavo Gómez and the attacking flair of Julio Enciso. However, it remains to be seen whether the latter will feature in the 2026 World Cup, as he sustained a – hopefully for him – minor injury during pre-tournament preparations. The Paraguayans’ preparations have, however, been difficult, not to mention the 1-2 defeat they suffered against the USA not long ago. Can they get their own back and pick up at least a point this time?

United States v Paraguay prediction

When we look at the head-to-head record between these two nations, one thing stands out: the United States has won the last three matches in a row. Add to that the fact that, as the host nation, they have the crowd behind them, and we predict that the United States v Paraguay match will be won by the home side. This gives you odds of 1.92.

United States v Paraguay odds

Anyone who watched or rewatched the USA’s match against Germany will no doubt remember Antonee Robinson’s superb equaliser. That’s no coincidence, as the Fulham full-back already has four international goals to his name and is also a key contributor for both club and country with his assists. As we expect the United States to go on the attack, we’re going for a ‘fun bet’ on a goal or assist from the attacking full-back. This gives you odds of 4.50. Will he be substituted? No problem – with the Lucky Substitute, your bet simply carries on with his replacement!

United States v Paraguay: predicted line-ups

Below are the predicted line-ups for both teams:

United States (4-3-3): Freese, Robinson, Ream, Freeman, Dest, Adams, Richards, Tilman, Pulisic, Balogun, McKennie

Paraguay (4-3-3): Fernández, Alonso, Alderete, Gomez, Caceres, Bobadilla, Kaku, Cubas, Almiron, Sanabria, Gomez