2026 World Cup: USMNT vs Paraguay – Betting picks and predictions
Hosting the tournament for the first time since 1994, the USMNT are favored to go deep at the 2026 World Cup. They are currently the favorites to win Group D, with BetMGM setting their odds at -108 favorites for their first match against Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California.
Why you should tail the bet:
Paraguay have proven they can beat elite-level opposition and will be incredibly difficult to break down, having conceded just 10 goals in 18 World Cup qualifiers
USMNT star player Christian Pulisic has been in poor form since the turn of the year, scoring just one goal across all formats
The pressure on the host nation in the opening game could lead to a cagey match with little separating the two sides
Hosting the tournament for the first time since 1994, the USMNT are favored to go deep at the 2026 World Cup. They are currently the favorites to win Group D, but will first take on Paraguay in their opening group stage game. The US are -108 favorites with BetMGM for their first match taking place at Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino will look for his side to build out from the back and maximize their strong ability down the flanks through wing-backs Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest. Arguably, this is one of the best squads the US have ever had, and with an elite coach in Pochettino, expectations are high.
Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguay had an impressive World Cup qualifying campaign and will be tough to beat. Under his leadership, they lost just one of their 12 qualifying matches, picking up exceptional victories over Brazil, Uruguay, and current World Cup and Copa America champions Argentina.
All the pressure is on the host nation in the opening match of Group D. It will be tough for them to break down such a well-drilled side in Paraguay, and their defensive-first approach feels like a poor matchup for the USMNT. Pochettino’s side will look to press aggressively, which could leave plenty of space for La Albirroja to counter in behind.
USMNT team news
Key defender Chris Richards has been a doubt heading into the tournament due to an ankle ligament injury that kept him out of the Conference League final for club side Crystal Palace. However, the 26-year-old has stated that he is ready to go for the opener, which is a huge boost for the Stars and Stripes. There are no other expected injury concerns.
Paraguay team news
La Albirroja have suffered a major blow ahead of the start of the World Cup since star forward Julio Enciso has been ruled out against the US. However, the injury is not as bad as first feared and he could feature in Matchday Two. Miguel Almiron will be the side’s primary creator.
USMNT vs. Paraguay lineups
The US have good depth throughout the squad, which could lead to plenty of rotation throughout the tournament. However, here’s how they’re expected to line up for Matchday 1:
(3-4-2-1) Matt Freese – Alex Freeman – Chris Richards – Tim Ream – Sergino Dest – Tyler Adams – Weston McKennie – Antonee Robinson – Malik Tillman – Christian Pulisic – Folarin Balogun
The line up looks set for Paraguay with Enciso sidelined for this game. Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete will form the defensive foundations, while Diego Gomez and Miguel Almiron will provide the technical ability. They should line up like this:
(4-4-2) Roberto Fernandez – Juan Caceres – Gustavo Gomez – Omar Alderete – Junior Alonso – Diego Gomez – Andres Cubas – Damian Bobadilla – Mauricio – Miguel Almiron – Antonio Sanabria
