United States vs Paraguay: key players, projected lineup, what to know

A match eight years in the making, ever since the United States was awarded hosting rights to the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico on the eve of the 2018 tournament, is finally here.

The Americans begin Group D on Friday against Paraguay in Los Angeles with a lot of optimism.

“Any World Cup game is a great opportunity for us,” Stars and Stripes starter and top forward Christian Pulisic said before the team’s final training session before the Cup. “We have to put in a good performance and really fight.”

Coach Mauricio Pochettino was more concise. “We need to win,” he said.

With expert input from Doug McIntyre, Laken Litman and Stu Holden, here’s everything you need to know ahead of USA vs. Paraguay:

US Players to Watch

Laken Litman: I’m really intrigued by Matt Freese. Will he officially be the starting goalkeeper for the United States? If so, Friday’s opening match against Paraguay will be only his 16th game with the national team. At practice Thursday, Freese and starter Matt Turner seemed to continue to struggle. Goalkeeper coach Toni Jimenez was working hard with them 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 enormous moment?

Doug McIntyre: The New York-born, London-raised dual-national striker, who chose the United States 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, far beyond.

USA Starting XI Prediction

FOX Sports’ Stu Holden predicts a four-back lineup for the United States. However, he claims it will be more of a back three formation with the expectation that Antonee “Jedi” Robinson will move forward to help the midfielders maintain possession.

“Possession is key,” Holden said. “That’s why I have Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams there, with Adams as the destroyer and Tillman taking the ball.”

Sergiño Dest has often played in the back line, but has played a forward role under American coach Maurico Pochettino. That will help Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic be able to move freely and attack what should be a solid Paraguayan defense.

“I don’t want to [McKennie] “Back to the goal,” Holden added. “I want him in the last few runs into the box. … Pulisic has looked back and seen what we all know he is worthy of.”

As expected, Folarin Balogun gets the nod as a striker, although American legend Clint Dempsey wants to see a good combination between Pulisic and Balogun.

“I know there’s a lot of pressure on Christian to create. He’s dangerous on offense,” Dempsey said. “I would like to see him give it and get it back again and give Balogun more touches.”

Planned training: 4-2-3-1

News and notes

• Is America ready for prime time?: In 1994 (for the first time as host), the United States advanced as the best third place finisher. Only two host nations failed to advance from the group stage: South Africa (2010) and Qatar (2022). In those tournament formats only the top 2 teams in each group advanced.

• Paraguay’s tough defense: During their World Cup qualifying campaign, Paraguay recorded 10 clean sheets in 18 matches and conceded only 10 goals (tied for second with Argentina).

• A familiar face: Paraguayan veteran Miguel Almirón is familiar to fans on three continents, having moved from Cerro Porteño in his home country to Argentine club Lanús, MLS side Atlanta United and Premier League mainstay Newcastle United before returning to Atlanta last year.

• Julio Enciso injury: Paraguayan The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is racing to be fit for Friday’s game. The attacking midfielder, considered one of the team’s most talented young players, was injured against Nicaragua in a pre-World Cup friendly on June 6.