A match eight years in the making — since the USA was awarded hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico on the eve of the 2018 tournament — is finally here.
The Americans begin Group D play on Friday against Paraguay in Los Angeles with an abundance of optimism.
“Any World Cup game is a huge opportunity for us,” Christian Pulisic, the Stars and Stripes’ headliner and top attacker, said before the squad’s final pre-Cup training session. “We have to have a good performance and really fight.”
Coach Mauricio Pochettino was more succinct. “We need to win,” he said.
With expert input from Doug McIntyre, Laken Litman and Stu Holden, here’s everything to know ahead of USA vs. Paraguay:
USA’s Players To Watch
Laken Litman: I’m really intrigued by Matt Freese. Will he officially be the USA’s starting goalkeeper? If so, Friday’s opener vs. Paraguay will be just his 16th cap for the national team. At training on Thursday, Freese and incumbent Matt Turner seemed to still be battling. Goalkeeper coach Toni Jimenez was working them hard and could be heard yelling, “You need to control the situation, don’t let the situation control you” during a drill with Freese. How will Freese respond in this massive moment?
Doug McIntyre: The New York-born, London-raised dual national striker, who chose the U.S. over England in 2023 and scores prolifically for Champions League mainstay AS Monaco, will be counted on for the goals that will help his country advance to the new round of 32 — and, fans of the co-hosts hope, well beyond.
USA’s Starting XI Prediction
FOX Sports’ Stu Holden predicts a back-four lineup for the USA. However, he states that it will be more of a back-three formation with the expectation for Antonee “Jedi” Robinson to move forward to help the midfielders maintain possession.
“Possession is key,” Holden stated. “That’s why I have Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams in there, with Adams as a destroyer and Tillman getting on the ball.”
Sergiño Dest has often played in the backline but has featured in a forward role under USA manager Maurico Pochettino. That will help Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic be able to roam freely and attack what should be a stout Paraguayan defense.
“I don’t want [McKennie] again to objective,” Holden added. “I would like him on late runs into the field. … Pulisic has regarded again to what everyone knows what he’s worthy of.”
Unsurprisingly, Folarin Balogun will get the nod at striker, though USA legend Clint Dempsey needs to see good link-up play between Pulisic and Balogun.
“I do know there may be numerous stress on Christian to create. He is harmful within the assault,” Dempsey stated. “I want to see him give it and get it again once more and provides Balogun extra touches.”
Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
Information & Notes
• Is the U.S. prepared for prime time?: In 1994 (first time as host), the USA superior as a finest third-place finisher. Solely two host nations did not advance from the group stage: South Africa (2010) and Qatar (2022). These event codecs solely noticed the top-2 groups in every group advance.
• Paraguay’s powerful protection: Throughout its World Cup qualifying marketing campaign, Paraguay posted 10 clear sheets in 18 video games whereas conceding solely 10 targets (tied for second fewest with Argentina).
• A well-known face: Paraguay veteran Miguel Almirón is acquainted to followers on three continents, having moved from Cerro Porteño in his native nation to Argentine membership Lanús to MLS facet Atlanta United to Premier League mainstay Newcastle United earlier than returning to Atlanta final yr.
• Julio Enciso damage: Paraguay’s 22-year-old attacking midfielder is racing to be match for Friday’s recreation. The attacking midfielder, thought of one of many workforce’s most gifted kids, was injured vs. Nicaragua in pre-World Cup pleasant on June 6.
