The United States meets Paraguay on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The USA is a slight favorite, but Paraguay has enough quality to keep this Group D match close.
Match Preview
This is an important early test for the co-hosts. The USA wants control, energy, and an early result at home. Paraguay will aim to stay compact and punish mistakes in transition.
Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM ET, which is 6:00 PM PT, on June 12. FOX will show the match in the United States, with coverage across FOX and FS1.
The USA squad includes Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, and Antonee Robinson. Paraguay can call on Miguel Almirón, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Diego Gómez, and Antonio Sanabria.
The USA should line up in a 4-3-3. Paraguay is more likely to use a 4-2-3-1. The match may be decided by how well Paraguay handles the US pressing game.
Projected USA XI: Turner; Dest, Richards, Ream, Antonee Robinson; Adams, McKennie, Reyna; Pulisic, Balogun, Weah. Projected Paraguay XI: Fernández; Cáceres, Gómez, Alderete, Alonso; Cubas, Galarza; Almirón, Gómez, Enciso; Sanabria.
Key Players to Watch
Christian Pulisic is the USA’s main attacking reference. He brings goals, movement, and leadership. Weston McKennie will also be important, because he drives the midfield and wins duels.
Folarin Balogun gives the USA a direct scoring threat. He can stretch Paraguay’s back line and finish quickly in the box. Tyler Adams matters too, because his work rate can set the tone.
For Paraguay, Miguel Almirón is the standout name. He can carry the ball, attack space, and create chances. Gustavo Gómez adds authority at the back, while Antonio Sanabria offers a strong target up front.
Head-to-Head Record
The USA and Paraguay have a mixed rivalry. Historical records show the USA has won four meetings, Paraguay two, and two games have ended level.
Recent meetings have been tighter. ESPN also lists the teams as level in recent form across some samples, which suggests the gap is not huge. Paraguay has beaten the USA before, so this is not a simple home-favorite fixture.
Prediction & Odds
The betting market gives the USA a narrow edge. ESPN lists the United States at -105, Paraguay at +295, and the draw at +245. Wincomparator gives the USA a 57.31% chance, with Paraguay at 25.46%.
The total goals line sits around 2.5, with under 2.5 slightly favored in some books. That points to a competitive, low-margin game rather than a shootout.
The USA should control more of the ball, but Paraguay can make it awkward. Prediction: USA 2-1 Paraguay.
How to Watch
In the United States, FOX and FS1 remain the main broadcast homes for the tournament. In the UK, the game is listed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with ITV sharing World Cup coverage overall. In the Arab world, beIN Sports remains the primary option for live World Cup viewing.
