United States vs Paraguayprediction, odds, kickoff time & how to watch: 2026 World Cup

United States vs Paraguay is a clash of styles: North & Central America against South America. Our model makes United States a heavy favourite (58%), with Paraguay given just 18% and a 24% draw on the cards.

Tactically, United States will want to lean on pace out wide to get at Paraguay, whose creativity in tight games is the obvious pressure point. Going the other way, Paraguay's counter-attacking could punish United States if tournament temperament goes unaddressed. Expect both coaches, Mauricio Pochettino and Gustavo Alfaro, to set up around exactly that battle.

Keep an eye on Christian Pulisic (LW, AC Milan) and Antonio Sanabria (ST, Torino): the two most likely to decide it with a moment of quality. As a Matchday 1 fixture, it sets the tone for Group D: an early win is worth more than three points for the nerves.

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