FIFA World Cup Live: Pulisic's United States begin campaign against returning Paraguay

Former U.S. international Cobi Jones believes an opening victory against Paraguay would be invaluable despite the expanded format reducing the risk of an early exit. With only 16 of the 48 teams eliminated during the group stage, a defeat would not be disastrous, but Jones insists three points would help establish the Americans as favourites to top Group D.

Speaking to Reuters in Los Angeles, the veteran of three World Cups emphasised the psychological importance of beginning strongly.

"That's how you want to start off," Jones said. "It's not the be all and end all, but getting three points at the beginning really helps your chances and establishes you as the leaders of the group." His comments reflect the expectations surrounding the hosts, who know a positive start could build momentum and confidence as they chase a long-awaited World Cup breakthrough.

Paraguay present a stark contrast to the attack-minded United States. Their strength lies in a robust and physical defence designed to frustrate opponents, though scoring goals has been a persistent problem.

During qualifying, they managed only 14 goals in 18 matches, underlining their struggles in the final third. Those concerns have been compounded by the absence of star forward Julio Enciso, who will miss the opening game because of a thigh injury. Fellow attacker Ramon Sosa remains one of Paraguay's key threats, while midfielder Diego Gomez is expected to shoulder creative responsibilities. The 23-year-old, who suffered a knee injury in April, will be tasked with unlocking the American defence and providing danger from long-range efforts.

Paraguay are likely to adopt a cautious approach, hoping their defensive structure and counterattacking opportunities can frustrate the hosts and produce an upset in the tournament opener.

Paraguay are back on football's biggest stage for the first time since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals before falling narrowly to eventual champions Spain.

Unlike the United States, the South Americans earned their place through the highly competitive CONMEBOL qualifiers, finishing sixth and securing the final automatic berth. Nicknamed "La Albirroja", Paraguay have built their reputation on resilience and defensive discipline. Their return to the World Cup has rekindled memories of the nation's golden run in South Africa and generated optimism among supporters.

However, expectations are more modest this time around as they seek merely to progress from a challenging group. Ranked below the other teams in Group D, Paraguay will hope to upset the odds and emulate the spirit that carried them to their best-ever World Cup campaign 16 years ago. Experience and determination remain central to their identity.

While the United States possess one of the most exciting attacks in Group D, defensive frailties remain a major concern heading into the tournament.

Pulisic, McKennie and Balogun provide pace, creativity and goals, and the Americans will hope to settle nerves by striking early against Paraguay.

However, the backline has struggled for consistency, with goalkeeper Matt Freese expected to face a stern examination. The Americans have managed only one clean sheet in their last 13 matches and have conceded 11 goals in their previous four outings, raising questions over their ability to withstand pressure against stronger opponents later in the competition.

Pochettino has sought to improve defensive organisation since taking charge, but the opening match will provide an early indication of whether progress has been made. A convincing performance could ease concerns and provide a confidence boost for the remainder of the group stage.

The United States face immediate pressure to start their World Cup campaign with a victory when they host Paraguay in Group D.

As the highest-ranked side in the section, the Americans are widely expected to collect three points against the South Americans, who are the lowest-ranked team in the group and sit 41st among the tournament's 48 participants.

Australia and Turkey complete the group, making a strong opening result crucial for establishing early momentum.

Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood is expected to provide a raucous atmosphere as the co-hosts kick off their campaign. The Americans have won their last three meetings with Paraguay, including a 2-1 friendly success last November, while their first-ever World Cup encounter in 1930 also ended in a U.S. victory. Anything short of a win could trigger doubts over the hosts' credentials and ambitions.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup match between USA and Paraguay.

The United States enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with growing expectations and a belief that playing on home soil can finally spark a breakthrough. Ranked 17th in the world, the Americans have reached the knockout stage in four of their last six appearances but have never advanced beyond the quarter-finals.

Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino was appointed in 2024 to take the team to the next level.

Much of the spotlight will be on Christian Pulisic, who arrives at the tournament in his prime and carrying the hopes of a nation. Alongside Weston McKennie and striker Folarin Balogun, the AC Milan star forms part of an attack capable of troubling any opponent. With expectations soaring among fans and pundits alike, the tournament represents a major opportunity for the U.S. to establish themselves among football's elite on the biggest stage.