USA vs. Paraguay: Key players, expected lineup, what you need to know

A match eight years in the making – since the US 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.

“Every World Cup match is a huge opportunity for us,” said Christian Pulisic, the Stars and Stripes’ headliner and top striker, before the team’s final training session before the Cup. “We have to have a good performance and really fight.”

Coach Mauricio Pochettino was more succinct. “We have 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 players to watch

Sheet Litman: I’m really fascinated by Matt Freese. Will he officially be the USA’s starting goalie? If so, Friday’s opening game against Paraguay will be just his 16th cap for the national team. At practice on Thursday, Freese and incumbent Matt Turner still appeared to be battling. Goaltending coach Toni Jimenez worked them hard and could be heard yelling, “You’ve got to control the situation, don’t let the situation control you” during a drill with Freese. How will Freese react in this huge moment?

Doug McIntyre: The New York-born, London-raised dual national striker, who chose the USA over England in 2023 and scored big for Champions League mainstays AS Monaco, will be counted on for the goals that will help his country through to the next round of 16 – and, fans of the co-hosts hope, well beyond.

USA 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 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 in there, with Adams as a destroyer and Tillman coming on.”

Sergiño Dest has often played in the back line, but has featured in a forward role under American manager Maurico Pochettino. That will help Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic to roam free and attack what should be a solid Paraguayan defence.

“I don’t want to [McKennie] back to the target,” Holden added. “I want him on late runs into the field. … Pulisic has looked back to what we all know he is worthy of.”

Unsurprisingly, Folarin Balogun gets the nod at striker, although USA legend Clint Dempsey wants to see good link-up play between Pulisic and Balogun.

“I know there’s a lot of pressure on Christian to create. He’s dangerous in attack,” Dempsey said. “I want to see him give it and get it back again and give Balogun more details.”

Expected formation: 4-2-3-1

News and notes

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

• Paraguay’s tough defense: During its World Cup qualifying campaign, Paraguay kept 10 clean sheets in 18 games while conceding just 10 goals (tied for second-fewest with Argentina).

• A familiar face: Paraguay veteran Miguel Almirón is familiar to fans on three continents after moving from Cerro Porteño in his homeland to Argentine club Lanús to MLS side Atlanta United to Premier League mainstay Newcastle United before returning to Atlanta last year.

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