Co-hosts USA open their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles, on Saturday, 13 June 2026, with kick-off at 03:00 SAST. Here is a full look at the match details, team news, head-to-head record, key stats and the major talking points ahead of the game.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group D opener |
| Date & kick-off | Saturday, 13 June 2026, 03:00 SAST |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, USA |
| Group | Group D |
America’s biggest football moment
For the United States, this is more than a group-stage opener. It is the start of a home World Cup campaign and a major moment for the growth of football in the country.
As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino’s side carry serious expectations. The USA’s Round of 16 exit in 1994 remains their best performance at a home World Cup, and the pressure to deliver in front of packed stadiums will be immense.
The timing is not entirely comfortable. USA have lost three of their last four matches in 2026, including a 2-1 defeat to tournament favourites Germany in Chicago. Their recent form has raised fair questions about consistency, especially under the pressure of a home tournament.
Paraguay arrive as a dangerous and well-organised opponent. They qualified from CONMEBOL level on points with Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay, and finished with the second-best defensive record in the qualifying campaign.
Their final warm-up was a commanding 4-0 win over Nicaragua, which adds to the feeling that they are not arriving simply to make up the numbers. This is Paraguay’s first World Cup since the 2010 South Africa edition, where they reached the quarter-finals, and they will see this opener as a genuine opportunity.
Team news
The major positive for Mauricio Pochettino is the return of Christian Pulisic to full fitness. The AC Milan midfielder was central to the USA’s 2022 World Cup campaign and was involved in every goal the Americans scored at that tournament.
His return gives the hosts extra creativity, pace and composure in the final third. Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman is also expected to start, supporting Folarin Balogun as the lone striker.
The main fitness concerns are Chris Richards and Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, who have both been assessed after minor injury issues. Their availability could shape the balance of the USA defence.
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro has no major injury concerns and is expected to select his strongest available side. Miguel Almiron leads the attacking threat alongside Antonio Sanabria, while Andre Cubas, Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete provide experience and backbone through midfield and defence.
Key stats
- USA have not lost a World Cup opening group-stage match since 2010.
- USA’s record in World Cup openers since 2010 is one win and two draws.
- USA’s current form is LWLLW.
- USA have lost three of their last four competitive outings.
- Paraguay qualified from CONMEBOL level on points with Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay.
- Paraguay had the second-best defensive record in CONMEBOL qualifying.
- USA have won their last three meetings against Paraguay.
- The most recent head-to-head meeting was USA 2-1 Paraguay in November 2025.
- Paraguay’s final pre-tournament result was a 4-0 win over Nicaragua.
Head-to-head
USA hold the recent advantage in this fixture, having won the last three meetings against Paraguay.
Recent meetings:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 16 November 2025 | USA 2-1 Paraguay |
| 28 March 2018 | USA 1-0 Paraguay |
| 12 June 2016 | USA 1-0 Paraguay |
| 30 March 2011 | USA 0-1 Paraguay |
| 3 July 2007 | USA 1-3 Paraguay |
While the recent record favours USA, the margins have been narrow. Paraguay have repeatedly made this a difficult fixture, and their current defensive strength suggests another tight contest could be on the cards.
Our prediction
This Group D opener should be intense, physical and emotionally charged. USA will have the crowd, the venue and the urgency of a home World Cup behind them, but their recent form suggests this is unlikely to be straightforward.
Pulisic’s return is a major boost. He gives the USA attack a clear focal point and should help connect midfield to the front line, especially with Balogun providing movement ahead of him.
Paraguay, however, are organised, defensively solid and dangerous on the break. Almiron and Sanabria give them enough attacking quality to trouble the hosts, while their qualifying campaign showed they can compete with South America’s strongest sides.
USA may have the home advantage, but Paraguay’s defensive discipline and recent momentum make this a tricky opener.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score at 5.00
Frequently asked questions
What time does USA vs Paraguay kick off in South Africa?
USA vs Paraguay kicks off at 03:00 SAST on Saturday, 13 June 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.
What is the USA vs Paraguay head-to-head record?
USA have won their last three meetings with Paraguay, most recently a 2-1 victory in November 2025. Paraguay’s last win over USA came in March 2011.
What group are USA and Paraguay in at the 2026 World Cup?
USA and Paraguay are in Group D alongside Turkey and Australia.
Where is USA vs Paraguay being played?
The match is being played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.
Who are the key players for USA vs Paraguay?
Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are key players for USA, while Miguel Almiron, Antonio Sanabria and Gustavo Gomez are central to Paraguay’s chances.
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