USMNT Opens World Cup 2026 Against Paraguay in Group D Opener

The United States men's national team faces Paraguay on Friday, June 12th at 9 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in their opening Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Paraguay will be without key attacker Julio Enciso due to injury, which analysts view as advantageous for the Americans. The match is considered crucial for the USMNT to establish momentum early in what is described as their most anticipated World Cup campaign in a generation.
The USMNT opens its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday night at SoFi Stadium, with the match airing on Fox and Telemundo at 9 p.m. ET. The Americans will have center back Chris Richards available after recovering from an ankle injury, though questions remain about the starting goalkeeper and striker positions. Paraguay will be without Julio Enciso, arguably the most talented attacker on either squad, due to a thigh injury sustained in pre-tournament play. Analysts expect the USMNT to control possession while Paraguay sits deep and counters, with the Americans favored to win given their personnel advantages on the wings. The match represents a significant opportunity for the USMNT to establish a strong foundation for a deep tournament run.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
World Cup Preview: USA vs. Paraguay | Presented by Nicolock
- ForbesCenter
USMNT Vs. Paraguay — How To Watch, Prediction And Projected Lineups
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
United States prepare for tough World Cup opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles
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