USA vs Paraguay
Match Preview
The United States open their World Cup campaign as co-hosts at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, facing a resilient Paraguay side in a Group B clash loaded with historical significance. These two teams last met at a World Cup in 1930 — the inaugural tournament in Uruguay — where Bert Patenaude scored the first hat-trick in World Cup history in a 3-0 American victory. Now, 96 years later, they meet again on football's grandest stage. Mauricio Pochettino's USA squad carries immense expectations from a passionate home crowd. Christian Pulisic captains a talented roster featuring Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun, all tested at Europe's highest level. The co-hosts haven't played a World Cup opener at home since 1994, and the atmosphere at SoFi Stadium promises to be electric. Paraguay, coached by Argentine tactician Gustavo Alfaro, arrive as dangerous underdogs. Their dramatic qualification — ending a 16-year World Cup absence — culminated in a national holiday being declared back home. Alfaro has built a disciplined, counter-attacking unit around captain Gustavo Gomez and the experienced Miguel Almiron, capable of absorbing pressure and striking on the break. Their November 2025 friendly served as a preview: USA won 2-1, but Paraguay showed they can compete. With Turkey and Australia also lurking in a tough Group B, this opener could define both teams' tournament trajectories.
Head-to-Head
USA beat Paraguay 2-1 in a November 2025 friendly. Their first World Cup meeting was in 1930 — USA won 3-0 with Bert Patenaude scoring the first hat-trick in World Cup history.
Key Facts
- ●USA's opening match as World Cup co-hosts — first home opener since 1994
- ●Second World Cup meeting ever — 96 years after their 1930 encounter
- ●Bert Patenaude scored the first hat-trick in World Cup history in their 1930 match
- ●Paraguay return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence (last appeared in 2010)
- ●USA won their November 2025 friendly 2-1 in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is USA vs Paraguay at the World Cup 2026?
USA vs Paraguay is scheduled for June 12, 2026 at 9:00 PM ET (June 13, 01:00 UTC) at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles. It is the USA's opening match as World Cup co-hosts.
What is the head-to-head record between USA and Paraguay?
USA and Paraguay have met 9 times. USA has won 5, drawn 2, and lost 2. Their most famous meeting was at the 1930 World Cup where USA won 3-0 with the first hat-trick in World Cup history.
Who are the key players to watch in USA vs Paraguay?
For USA, captain Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Weston McKennie (Juventus), and Gio Reyna are the main threats. For Paraguay, veteran Miguel Almiron and young talent Julio Enciso provide creativity, while captain Gustavo Gomez anchors the defense.
Have USA and Paraguay played at a World Cup before?
Yes, once — at the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay. USA won 3-0, with Bert Patenaude scoring the first hat-trick in World Cup history. The 2026 match is their second World Cup meeting in 96 years.
What are the predictions for USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026?
USA are favorites as co-hosts and higher-ranked team, but Paraguay's disciplined counter-attacking style under Alfaro makes them dangerous. AI models will analyze team strength, form, and historical data to provide match predictions before kickoff.