USA Opens 2026 World Cup Against Paraguay in 48-Team Group D Clash
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 12
USA Opens 2026 World Cup Against Paraguay in 48-Team Group D Clash
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 12
Summary
Friday’s 6pm local kickoff at SoFi Stadium sends the US into its first men’s World Cup match on home soil in more than 30 years, opening Group D against Paraguay.
40.1% is the US win probability from Opta, reflecting a side led by Christian Pulisic and ranked 17th in the group but carrying defensive concerns after one clean sheet in 13 games.
Paraguay, ranked 41st, arrive with a stronger recent results run and a defense-first profile, but their attack is weakened after Julio Enciso was ruled out with a thigh injury.
Group D also includes Australia and Turkiye, with the top two teams plus the eight best third-placed sides across 12 groups advancing to the new round of 32.