USA vs Paraguay: World Cup 2026 group match – Trump, schedule, lineups
FIFA World Cup cohosts United States begin their campaign against Paraguay, with Donald Trump’s attendance in doubt. Who: USA vs Paraguay What: FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup cohosts United States begin their campaign against Paraguay, with Donald Trump’s attendance in doubt. Who: USA vs Paraguay What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match Where: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California When: Friday, 6pm local time (01:00 GMT Saturday) How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 22:00 GMT in advance of our live text commentary stream. For the first time in more than three decades, the United States will play a football World Cup on home soil when the team hosts familiar foes Paraguay in their 2026 tournament opener. With tens of thousands of fans cheering from the stands and millions watching at home, the pressure is on the US to live up to expectations. Anything less than three points against their South American opponents could affect the US’s prospects, as they look to go further than the round of 16 finish from the home World Cup in 1994. Donald Trump to attend USA vs Paraguay? Before the action kicks off on the field at SoFi Stadium, the cameras will be searching for a VIP in the stands: US President Donald Trump. While Paraguay’s president, Santiago Pena, announced that he would be travelling to LA for the match, Trump’s attendance at the first 2026 World Cup game on American soil is yet to be confirmed. Usually, the president or head of state of the host nations attends the opening match of the tournament – and this World Cup, with 48 teams and 104 matches, is the biggest-ever in history. US: Strong strike force, but cracks at the back Nicknamed “Captain America”, forward Christian Pulisic is the poster boy of the US team.
With 33 goals in 88 appearances, he is a major attacking asset, possessing the valuable ability to both create and finish chances. Until last week, the 27-year-old AC Milan star was on a goal drought dating back to late 2024, but fans were relieved to see him score one and set up another in their pre-World Cup friendly against Senegal. Pulisic’s form could dictate how far the US go at the tournament, where they have an upper hand as the highest-ranked team (17th) in their group. Apart from the playmaker, the Americans’ dangerous attack also features the versatile Weston McKennie and forward Folarin Balogun, while midfielder Malik Tillman is one to watch. While the US is blessed with talent high up the pitch, there are some cracks at the back. The US have only had one clean sheet in their last 13 games, and have conceded 11 goals in their past four matches. Inexperienced goalkeeper Matt Freese may have to work harder than his outfield teammates. This year’s tournament marks the 12th US appearance, with a third-place finish in an 18-team 1930 World Cup being their best achievement so far. Watch out for Paraguay’s solid defence Unlike the US, Paraguay’s strength lies in defence. Although Paraguay are the lowest-ranked team (41st) in this group, they possess a solid backline, which will try to slow down the American attack. The Paraguayans, though, have struggled to score. With 14 goals in 18 games during World Cup qualifying, and their main attacking threat, Julio Enciso injured, finding the net might be difficult for Gustavo Alfaro’s side. As cohosts, the US did not have to qualify for the tournament, while Paraguay had to come through the demanding CONMEBOL route, finishing last of the six automatic qualifiers in South America.
The BriefWire