The stage is set and the wait is over as the USA finally get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign underway against Paraguay in Group D

The USA and Paraguay begin their Group D campaigns at the 2026 World Cup on Friday, meeting in Los Angeles with both sides targeting a strong start in a section that also includes Australia and Turkey. With only the top two guaranteed to reach the knockouts, early points could prove crucial.

The bookies are unconvinced on a clear favourite on this one after USA's mediocre preparation with the co-hosts 11/10 with Sky Bet while Paragauay are 11/4 with Betfred and a draw is 11/5 with Ladbrokes. You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.

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As co-hosts, the United States bypassed CONCACAF qualifying, giving Mauricio Pochettino almost two years to prepare for the tournament. The Americans arrive off mixed warm-up results, beating Senegal 3-2 before slipping to a 2-1 loss against Germany despite Antonee Robinson’s eye-catching equaliser, and they now look to set the tone in their opener on home soil.

Ranked 16th in the world, the Stars and Stripes are appearing at a 12th World Cup and will hope to at least match their last-16 run when they hosted in 1994. They have reached the knockout phase in each of their last three World Cup appearances, with their best modern finish a quarter-final in 2002.

This will be the first World Cup meeting between the two nations since 1930, when the USA won 3-0. Paraguay, meanwhile, are back at the finals for a ninth time after finishing sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying. Under Gustavo Alfaro, their standout qualifying result was a 2-1 win over world champions Argentina.

Paraguay were beaten 2-1 by the USA in a friendly last November but have since won three of their last four matches, including a 4-0 home victory over Nicaragua. Typically organised and set-piece focused, La Albirroja arrive with modest expectations — and will be hoping that underdog status helps them disrupt the hosts in Los Angeles.

USA vs Paraguay Prediction

• Draw/Paraguay - 3/4 (Ladbrokes)
• Both teams to score - 11/10 (Betfred)

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USA vs Paraguay Team News

The USA are expected to line up with a fluid back three led by captain Tim Ream, with Miles Robinson or Mark McKenzie likely to cover for the ankle-hit Chris Richards. In midfield, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman should start, while Christian Pulisic is set to support Folarin Balogun up front.

Paraguay, built on defensive solidity, are likely to start Omar Alderete alongside skipper Gustavo Gomez. Julio Enciso is expected to feature despite a minor quad issue, joining Miguel Almiron and Diego Gomez behind lone striker Tonny Sanabria, their top scorer in CONMEBOL qualifying with four goals.

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