| Fixture | Date | Kickoff | Venue | Stage | TV (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States vs Paraguay | 13 June 2026 | 18:00 local (01:00 BST) | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | Group D, Matchday 2 | ITV / BBC |
What’s At Stake
Both sides arrive at Matchday 2 knowing that a positive result here could go a long way towards securing a place in the knockout rounds. The United States, as co-hosts, will feel the weight of expectation from a home crowd, while Paraguay return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and cannot afford to fall behind in the group standings early in the tournament.
Verdict
United States vs Paraguay predictions point towards a home win, with the United States holding home advantage at SoFi Stadium and a recent head-to-head edge over their South American opponents. At evens (1/1), the United States win is a reasonable price given Paraguay’s defensive record in qualifying and their limited attacking output against organised opposition.
United States vs Paraguay Match Preview
This is a Group D fixture that carries enormous significance for the United States on home soil. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are aiming to build on their tournament opener and demonstrate that the high-pressing, attacking style he has instilled can function under World Cup pressure at a sold-out SoFi Stadium.
Paraguay, under Gustavo Alfaro, arrive as a compact, defensively minded side who qualified from CONMEBOL in the last automatic slot. Their approach relies on a disciplined mid-block, quick transitions and set-piece threat rather than sustained possession, which could make them a stubborn opponent even if the United States dominate the ball.
The key question is whether Paraguay’s defensive organisation can suppress Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and the wider attacking options available to the United States. If the hosts can impose their pressing game and move the ball quickly, they have the individual quality to unlock a side that scored only six goals across six qualifying matches.
Team Form
United States last five matches:
- Portugal (H): Lost 0-2 (Friendly)
- Belgium (H): Lost 2-5 (Friendly)
- Uruguay (H): Won 5-1 (Friendly)
- Paraguay (H): Won 2-1 (Friendly)
- Australia (H): Won 2-1 (Friendly)
The United States’ form heading into this tournament is mixed. The March 2026 friendly defeats to Portugal and Belgium raised questions, but the wins over Uruguay, Paraguay and Australia in the preceding months showed the squad is capable of competitive performances against quality opposition.
Paraguay last five matches:
- Morocco (N): Lost 1-2 (Friendly)
- Greece (A): Won 1-0 (Friendly)
- Mexico (N): Won 2-1 (Friendly)
- United States (A): Lost 1-2 (Friendly)
- South Korea (A): Lost 0-2 (Friendly)
Paraguay’s recent results show a side capable of grinding out wins, as seen against Greece and Mexico, but also one that has struggled against stronger opposition. Their 3W 2D 1L record in CONMEBOL qualifying confirms they can be resolute, though their goal-scoring output remains a concern against a high-energy opponent like the United States.
United States vs Paraguay Head To Head
The United States vs Paraguay head to head record favours the hosts across their nine meetings. The two sides met as recently as November 2025, with the United States winning 2-1 in a friendly, making it back-to-back wins for the Americans in this fixture.
Recent meetings:
- November 2025 – United States 2-1 Paraguay (Friendly)
- March 2018 – United States 1-0 Paraguay (Friendly)
- June 2016 – United States 1-0 Paraguay (Copa America)
- March 2011 – United States 0-1 Paraguay (Friendly)
- July 2007 – United States 1-3 Paraguay (Copa America)
The United States have won three of the last four meetings, including a Copa America group stage victory in 2016. Paraguay’s most recent win came in 2011, suggesting the current generation of American players holds a psychological edge in this matchup. That context matters when assessing the United States vs Paraguay betting odds for this Group D encounter.
Team News
The United States squad is led by Christian Pulisic of Milan, the captain and primary attacking outlet who carries the hopes of the host nation into every fixture. Alongside him, Tyler Adams of Bournemouth provides the defensive midfield discipline that allows the team’s attacking players the freedom to press high, and Weston McKennie of Juventus adds physicality and goal threat from box-to-box runs.
In defence, Chris Richards of Crystal Palace and Antonee Robinson of Fulham are expected to anchor the back line and left flank respectively. The forward options are plentiful, with Folarin Balogun of Monaco and Ricardo Pepi of PSV Eindhoven offering different striker profiles depending on the tactical approach Pochettino selects on the day.
Paraguay are led at the back by captain Gustavo Gomez of Palmeiras, who is their most experienced defender and chief set-piece threat. Miguel Almiron of Atlanta United provides the creative outlet in midfield, while Antonio Sanabria of Cremonese and Julio Enciso of Strasbourg are expected to lead the attacking line. There are no reported suspensions ahead of this fixture.
United States vs Paraguay Predicted Lineups
United States (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, C. Richards, M. Robinson, A. Robinson (c); T. Adams, McKennie, Reyna; Weah, Pepi, Pulisic
Paraguay (4-4-2): Gatito Fernandez; J.J. Caceres, G. Gomez (c), Balbuena, Alderete; Almiron, Cubas, D. Gomez, R. Sosa; Enciso, Sanabria
Predicted lineups – squads to be confirmed.
Key Tactical Matchup
The central battle is likely to be between Tyler Adams and Miguel Almiron in the transition zones. Adams, with 54 caps for the United States, is responsible for screening the back four and breaking up opposition attacks before they can gain momentum. Almiron, with 76 caps for Paraguay, is the player most likely to carry the ball quickly into dangerous areas when his side wins possession. If Adams can limit Almiron’s time and space in the central and wide channels, Paraguay’s ability to threaten on the counter is significantly reduced. Conversely, if Almiron can escape Adams and play in the half-spaces, he can create the moments Paraguay need to stay competitive in a match where they are likely to concede possession.
United States vs Paraguay Best Bets
Main Pick: United States to win @ 1/1
The United States hold home advantage at SoFi Stadium in front of a partisan crowd, and the head-to-head record from their November 2025 meeting confirms this is a side that knows how to beat Paraguay in current form. Pochettino’s high-pressing style should cause problems for a Paraguay outfit that relies on structure rather than quality in possession.
Goals Market: Over 2 Goals @ 4/6
Both sides have shown they can score and concede in recent friendlies. The United States beat Uruguay 5-1 and Paraguay 2-1 in late 2025, while Paraguay themselves scored in their wins over Greece and Mexico. The over 2 goals market at 4/6 reflects the likelihood of an open fixture, particularly if the United States take an early lead and Paraguay must push forward.
Scorer Market: Christian Pulisic to score anytime
With 33 goals in 86 caps, Pulisic is the United States’ most reliable source of goals at international level and the focal point of Pochettino’s attacking system. He has been in strong form at club level with Milan and will be highly motivated on home soil. He represents the best value in the scorer market for this fixture.
Best Bet Builder Option: United States to win and over 1.5 goals
Given the United States’ attacking depth and Paraguay’s tendency to concede in fixtures where they fall behind, combining a home win with a multi-goal game makes sense as a bet builder option. The United States scored two or more goals in three of their last five home matches, lending confidence to this selection.
United States vs Paraguay Betting Odds
The best available prices across leading operators for this Group D fixture are shown below.
| Outcome | Best Price |
|---|---|
| United States Win | 1/1 |
| Draw | 5/2 |
| Paraguay Win | 3/1 |
The United States are available at evens with leading operators, reflecting their status as hosts and the stronger recent form. Paraguay at 3/1 offers a return if Alfaro’s defensive organisation holds firm and they nick a result on the counter, though their head-to-head record and qualifying goal tally suggest this is an unlikely outcome.
How To Watch And How To Bet
How To Watch
United States vs Paraguay is scheduled for 13 June 2026, with kick-off at 18:00 local time (01:00 BST on 14 June). UK viewers can watch the match live on ITV or BBC, both of which hold rights to World Cup 2026 fixtures. Coverage is also available via their respective streaming platforms, ITVX and BBC iPlayer, for those watching on mobile, tablet or smart TV.
How To Bet
If you are looking to place a bet on this fixture, these steps can help you approach the market clearly and responsibly.
- Check the latest United States vs Paraguay odds across leading operators to find the best available price for your chosen market.
- Review the team news and confirmed lineups before placing any bet, particularly on scorer or handicap markets that depend on specific players starting.
- Consider the match context: a high-pressure home fixture for the United States in Group D carries different dynamics than a neutral-venue friendly.
- Decide on your stake before browsing markets, not after, to avoid being drawn into markets you had not planned to bet on.
- Use the match odds, goals totals and bet builder markets to find the angle that reflects your analysis rather than simply backing the favourite.
- Look at each-way options in outright tournament markets if you believe Paraguay could outperform expectations across the full Group D campaign.
- Consider building an accumulator using this match alongside other Group D fixtures if you have a strong read across multiple games, but keep the number of legs manageable.
- Set a budget for the group stage and stick to it, treating each fixture as a separate decision rather than a chance to recover previous losses.
Responsible Gambling
Betting should always be approached as a form of entertainment, not as a way to generate income. It is important to set limits on how much you are prepared to spend before you start, and never to chase losses by increasing your stakes.
If you feel that your gambling is becoming difficult to control, free and confidential support is available. In the UK, you can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit BeGambleAware. In the US, the National Council on Problem Gambling operates a 24-hour helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Gamblers Anonymous also offers peer support meetings and resources online.
Please gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and take regular breaks from betting activity during long tournaments like the World Cup.
