USA vs Paraguay Betting Tips (World Cup 2026)

The US men’s national team kicks off their World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Saturday morning. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are the 11/10 (2.10) favourites to get off to a winning start in Group D.

Paraguay sealed their place at their first World Cup finals since 2010 by finishing sixth in the CONMEBOL standings with 28 points. Gustavo Alfaro’s side are 31/10 (4.10) to upset the co-hosts, with the draw at 12/5 (3.40).

Paraguay will be tough to beat. They are a dogged team who will sit back and they will make life difficult for the USA. However, roared on by a partisan crowd, we expect to see the USA find a way to get the win.

Given the number of goals the US have conceded in their recent matches, Chris Richards is likely to come straight back into the team. The central defender missed both of the USA’s pre-tournament friendlies with an ankle injury.  

Elsewhere, Matt Freese appears to have seen off the challenge of Matt Turner to play in goal, while it looks likely to be a close call between Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi to lead the line.

Paraguay’s Julio Enciso will miss the match against the USA. The Strasbourg attacker picked up an injury in their friendly win over Nicaragua. 

The early diagnosis suggested he may miss the entire tournament, but it now looks like he will be available for Paraguay’s final Group B match.