Jonathan Hunt Backs Over 2.5 Goals in USA-Paraguay Match at +135

Q: Can the USMNT's attack overcome its shaky defense and the pressure of playing on home soil?

Yes—but only if the U.S. can turn its attacking edge into scoreboard pressure early, because the defensive margin for error looks thin. The evidence for the attack is real. Mauricio Pochettino has leaned into an aggressive, front-foot style, and the U.S. has enough firepower to trouble Paraguay: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright have all been productive options, while Christian Pulisic remains the key chance-creator even amid a long international scoring drought. The U.S. has scored three, two and one goals in recent matches, which supports the view that it can create enough to win games in this group. The concern is that the U.S. has also conceded at least two goals in each of its last four matches. Tim Ream has looked vulnerable this year, the center-back pairing remains a question, and the team can be exposed when its wingbacks push high. Tyler Adams’ fitness and the availability of Chris Richards matter greatly because they are central to protecting a back line that has not looked settled. Home soil cuts both ways. The crowd at SoFi Stadium should help, and host nations often outperform expectations. But the pressure is substantial: this is a co-hosted World Cup, the U.S. is favored to advance, and anything shaky defensively will be magnified. Against Paraguay, the matchup suggests the U.S. can win if its attack is clinical. But over the tournament, the attack alone is unlikely to carry the team far unless the defense becomes more organized and disciplined.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 12

Jonathan Hunt projected a 2-1 U.S. win over Paraguay and made over 2.5 goals at +135 his preferred play for the World Cup 2026 matchup.
Four recent U.S. matches underpin that call: the Americans went 1-3 since March, conceded at least two goals in every game, and scored 0, 3, 2 and 1.
Paraguay arrives with improving form after qualifying for its first World Cup since 2010, going 2-1 in its last three matches under manager Gustavo Alfaro.
Hunt said World Cup group-stage caution could limit chances, but he still expects enough openings for at least three goals as both teams chase points.