USA vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026: Live Score and Match Preview

USA vs Paraguay Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: Christian Pulisic and the United States will look to make a winning start to their home World Cup when they take on returning Paraguay in today's Group D opener. Ranked 17th by FIFA and playing in front of their own fans, the Americans are hoping the tournament can finally deliver the breakthrough that has eluded them after reaching the knockout rounds in four of the last six editions without advancing beyond the last eight.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has inherited an exciting attacking unit featuring Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun, but defensive fragility remains a concern. The hosts have managed only one clean sheet in their last 13 games and have shipped 11 goals in their previous four matches, leaving inexperienced goalkeeper Matt Freese under pressure.

Paraguay return to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years after emerging from the difficult South American qualifying campaign. The South Americans rely on a disciplined backline but have struggled for goals and will also be without injured forward Julio Enciso for the opener. Midfielder Diego Gomez is expected to shoulder much of the creative burden.

The United States have won their last three meetings against Paraguay and are favourites to collect three points. Former U.S. international Cobi Jones believes a strong start would provide a vital confidence boost and help establish the co-hosts as frontrunners in Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey.