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The USMNT and Paraguay kicked off at 9:00 PM ET from Los Angeles Stadium. The USMNT, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, enters Friday at No. 17 in the FIFA world rankings.
The Americans’ World Cup bid got off to a quick start with Damián Bobadilla’s own goal putting the Americans ahead less than 10 minutes in.
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Damian Bobadilla of Paraguay warms up during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the United States and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, California on June 12, 2026. (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
FIFA determines its world rankings using the Elo rating system, which rewards teams for wins and penalizes them for losses, while also taking into account the strength of competition.
This year’s World Cup features an expanded field of 48 teams.
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