USA Face Must-Win Paraguay Opener in 48-Team World Cup as Türkiye Looms in Group D
Updated
Updated · FOX Sports · Jun 10
USA Face Must-Win Paraguay Opener in 48-Team World Cup as Türkiye Looms in Group D
3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jun 10
Summary
Friday’s Group D opener in Los Angeles is framed as a must-win for the United States, which wants points against Paraguay before a tougher final group game against Türkiye.
The urgency persists even with the 48-team format, where eight third-place teams also advance, because the U.S. does not want to enter its last match needing a result.
Paraguay is expected to sit deep, concede possession and counterattack under Gustavo Alfaro, whose side went 5-4-1 in qualifying and allowed just 10 goals in 18 matches.
Alderete anchors that defense, while Miguel Almiron is Paraguay’s main attacking outlet; the U.S. is expected to rely on wide combinations from Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson, Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman.
The U.S. lineup should look different from the November meeting with Paraguay, but the tactical challenge remains breaking down a compact defense without exposing 38-year-old Tim Ream in transition.