The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a historic Group D match between co-hosts the United States and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m. IST. The fixture marks the first World Cup meeting between the two nations in 96 years.
The United States and Paraguay last met at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, when the United States secured a 3-0 victory over Paraguay.
The upcoming encounter will be their first meeting on the World Cup stage since that match, making it a rare fixture in tournament history.
The two teams have played eight international matches against each other. The United States has won four of those matches, Paraguay has won two, and two games have ended in draws.
The United States is ranked 17th in the FIFA rankings and will benefit from playing as a co-host nation. The team’s midfield is regarded as one of its key strengths.
Winger Christian Pulisic and midfielder Weston McKennie are expected to play central roles for the team. The United States also enters the tournament with a balanced defensive unit.
The team will aim to begin its campaign with a victory.
Paraguay is ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings and enters the match as the lower-ranked side. The squad includes midfielder Miguel Almirón, known for his pace and attacking ability.
Sanabria is also expected to provide support in attack. Paraguay is likely to rely on a defensive structure and counter-attacking opportunities.
The United States' probable lineup includes Freese, Freeman, McKenzie, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Dest, Tillman, Christian Pulisic and Balogun.
Paraguay's probable lineup includes Fernández, Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Alonso, Cubas, D. Gómez, Miguel Almirón, Bobadilla, Sosa and Sanabria.
The match is an important fixture for both teams in Group D. The United States is expected to seek an attacking start while making use of home support, while Paraguay is likely to focus on a balanced approach with defensive discipline.
Midfield control, set pieces and an early goal could play a key role in determining the outcome of the match.
Christian Pulisic is expected to be one of the key players for the United States, with responsibility for leading the team's attacking efforts. Weston McKennie is expected to play a major role in controlling the midfield.
For Paraguay, Miguel Almirón is expected to be a key attacking threat with his ability to challenge opposing defenses.
