USA vs Paraguay: Lineups, Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds

USA vs Paraguay Match Summary

Competition	World Cup 2026
Match Date	Saturday 13 June 2026
Match Time	02:00
Venue (City, Stadium)	Los Angeles, Los Angeles Stadium
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming)	BBC 1 (UK), RTE 2 (IRL)

The United States kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign on home soil in Los Angeles, with co-hosts USA facing Paraguay in a tasty opening fixture.

The USA carry the weight of a nation's expectations and will look to lay down an early marker under the California lights in front of a packed home crowd.

Paraguay return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010 and arrive with a stubborn defensive record from qualifying, conceding just 10 goals in 18 outings.

The USA claimed a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in a November 2025 friendly, but this fixture carries a completely different level of intensity and pressure.

USA vs Paraguay Form

The USA have won six of their last 10 matches, including a dominant 5-0 demolition of Trinidad and Tobago and a gutsy away win in Saudi Arabia. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun remain the chief attacking threats, though draws and defeats against Costa Rica, Canada and Panama show vulnerability under pressure.

Paraguay finished sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying, a campaign built on defensive resilience with 10 clean sheets. They beat Argentina and Uruguay along the way, proving they can hurt any side on the break. Julio Enciso provides the creative spark, while the back line has been outstanding at limiting opponents.

USA vs Paraguay Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

USA: Chris Richards (Injured/out)

Paraguay: Julio Enciso (Injured/doubtful), Damian Bobadilla (Injured/doubtful)

USA

The USA are without centre-back Chris Richards through injury, which could see Miles Robinson or Mark McKenzie slot into the backline. The rest of the squad appears fit and available, giving the hosts a strong hand for their tournament opener.

Paraguay

Paraguay have concerns over Julio Enciso and Damian Bobadilla, with both carrying injuries ahead of this fixture. Their availability could have a significant impact on Paraguay's attacking and midfield options respectively.

USA vs Paraguay Predicted Lineup

USA

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: Starting XI not yet available. Official lineups are typically announced one hour before kick-off.

Paraguay

Formation: To be confirmed

Predicted Starting Lineup: Starting XI not yet available. Official lineups are typically announced one hour before kick-off.

USA vs Paraguay Key Stats & Match Facts

• The USA have won six of their last 10 matches across all competitions, a 60% win rate heading into the tournament.
• In their most recent meeting in November 2025, the USA held 56% possession and won 2-1.
• Paraguay have won five of their last 10 fixtures, including victories over Argentina and Uruguay in qualifying.
• Both teams scored in just four of the USA's last 10 matches, suggesting the hosts often keep things tight at the back.
• Paraguay completed only 353 passes at 80% accuracy in the November 2025 friendly, underlining their direct, pragmatic approach.

USA vs Paraguay Prediction & Best Bets

The hosts carry an edge in quality and home crowd backing, and Paraguay's deep defensive structure could make this a frustrating night for the visitors. The USA have the firepower to break through, though Paraguay will make them work hard for every chance.

Match prediction: USA 2-0 Paraguay.

Best Bets

USA to win at 1/1 with AK Bets. The hosts have won six of their last 10 outings, and their recent form on home soil backs that up. Playing in front of their own crowd at this level gives a real psychological edge to go along with the quality advantage.

Over 2.5 Goals at 27/20 with AK Bets. The USA showed against Trinidad and Tobago and in Saudi Arabia that they carry a genuine goal threat, while Paraguay's qualifying wins over Argentina and Uruguay demonstrated they are no strangers to open, scoring affairs.

USA vs Paraguay Bet Builder

Our three-leg bet builder focuses on the United States' key attacking threats alongside a disciplinary angle on Paraguay, combining a Christian Pulisic goal contribution, a Folarin Balogun shot on target and a Junior Alonso booking in what could be a feisty World Cup opener.

Christian Pulisic looks the standout attacking angle for the United States in their World Cup opener against Paraguay. The AC Milan forward remains the focal point of Mauricio Pochettino's attack and arrives in strong form after registering both a goal and an assist in the recent 3-2 friendly win over Senegal. Whether creating chances for teammates or getting on the scoresheet himself, Pulisic is usually at the heart of the USA's best attacking moments, making a goal contribution an appealing selection.

Folarin Balogun enjoyed an excellent campaign with AS Monaco, scoring 19 goals in all competitions and averaging 1.1 shots on target per game in Ligue 1. The striker's movement and willingness to shoot from central areas make him a constant threat, particularly against teams that defend deep. Given his role as the USA's primary goalscorer, Balogun may only need one clear opening to land this selection and looks well placed to test the Paraguay goalkeeper at least once.

Junior Alonso stands out as one of the strongest card angles in the match. The Paraguay defender has been booked in two of his last three appearances and faces a difficult evening against one of the USA's most dangerous players in Pulisic. The AC Milan winger frequently drifts into wide areas and attacks defenders one-on-one, forcing opponents into rash challenges. Alonso will also have to contend with the overlapping runs of Antonee Robinson, whose pace and direct running can be difficult to handle. With plenty of defensive work expected, the Paraguay left-back looks a strong candidate to find his way into the referee's notebook.

• Christian Pulisic - To Score Or Assist
• Folarin Balogun Over 0.5 - Shots On Target
• Junior Alonso - To Be Shown A Card

Best odds of 18/1 at BetMGM UK while publishing.

Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.

USA vs Paraguay Talking Points

The big question here is whether the USA can break down a low block. Paraguay thrived in qualifying by sitting deep and hitting sides on the counter through their pacey wingers, and they will fancy the same approach in Los Angeles. The USA need to be clinical through the middle rather than floating crosses into a well-organised defence. A fast start from the hosts could force Paraguay out of their compact shape early, but if this fixture stays tight past the half-hour mark, nerves in the stadium could become a factor. Paraguay have proven they can beat the very best in South America, and they will not be fazed by the occasion.

USA vs Paraguay Predictions FAQs

When is the USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026 game?

The USA vs Paraguay match is scheduled to kick off on Saturday 13 June 2026 at 02:00.

What is the best USA vs Paraguay prediction?

Our expert USA vs Paraguay prediction and best bets are detailed in our full match preview, based on the latest team news and data.

When will the USA vs Paraguay lineups be announced?

Official starting lineups for USA vs Paraguay are typically announced one hour before the scheduled 02:00 kick-off time.

What are the latest betting odds for USA vs Paraguay?

The latest match odds and bet builder tips for USA vs Paraguay can be found within our comprehensive match preview.

Disclaimer

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