World Cup 2026: United States Kick Off Group D Against Paraguay in Los Angeles

Managed by Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. team aims to improve on their Round of 16 finish at Qatar 2022. Paraguay returns to the World Cup stage after a long absence since 2010, led by Gustavo Alfaro, who took charge of the team in August 2024.

This opening match sets the tone in Group D, where every point will be significant. For the U.S., the stakes exceed just the points as they seek to confirm their ambitions at a home tournament. For Paraguay, the challenge is to make a successful return to the global stage against a familiar opponent.

The available lineups highlight two distinct approaches. The United States are set to play a 4-2-3-1 formation with Christian Pulišić supporting striker Folarin Balogun, while Paraguay will deploy a 4-4-2 with Antonio Sanabria and Julio Enciso upfront. Both coaches rely on key players identified to structure their tournament debut.

Recent history gives a slight psychological edge to the Americans. The United States have won their last three encounters against Paraguay, in the 2016 Copa America and friendlies in 2018 and 2025. This context is secondary but underscores the importance of a controlled start for Paraguay.

Spotlight on the United States

Mauricio Pochettino lines up Matthew Freese in goal, with Alexander Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson in defense. The midfield incorporates Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest and Weston McKennie, while Christian Pulišić operates behind Folarin Balogun.

The announced U.S. starting eleven is:

Matthew Freese
Alexander Freeman
Chris Richards
Tim Ream
Antonee Robinson
Malik Tillman
Tyler Adams
Sergiño Dest
Weston McKennie
Christian Pulišić
Folarin Balogun

The U.S. squad relies on strong technical and athletic midfield fundamentals, with Adams and McKennie providing balance. Christian Pulišić remains one of the most anticipated players in the group, in a team aiming to control possession and consistently pressure the opponent.

The bench offers several attacking options, including Giovanni Reyna, Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright. This depth might prove decisive in the opening match where managing tempo and substitutions will be crucial.

Spotlight on Paraguay

Gustavo Alfaro fields a 4-4-2 setup. Orlando Gill starts in goal, protected by Juan Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete and Junior Alonso. The midfield comprises Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Damián Bobadilla and Miguel Almirón, with Antonio Sanabria and Julio Enciso leading the attack.

The announced Paraguayan starting eleven is:

Orlando Gill
Juan Cáceres
Gustavo Gómez
Omar Alderete
Junior Alonso
Diego Gómez
Andrés Cubas
Damián Bobadilla
Miguel Almirón
Antonio Sanabria
Julio Enciso

Paraguay focuses on a compact structure and high collective intensity, hallmarks of Alfaro’s approach. Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete bring experience in central defense, while Andrés Cubas provides midfield density.

Up front, Julio Enciso and Antonio Sanabria hold much of the offensive threat. Miguel Almirón aims to link midfield and attack in a team that will try to exploit transitions to counter the American pressure.