Nobody gave Paraguay a chapter in any World Cup story before a ball was kicked. Any USA vs Paraguay prediction was pointing one way. Then Paraguay went and beat Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay in the same pre-tournament window, finishing eight straight matches without a defeat. Gustavo Alfaro’s side are the most inconvenient first-round draw a host nation could ask for. If you are backing USA to stroll through this opener in front of their own crowd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the recent evidence says look again.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side carry genuine quality, but they showed their other face in the final warm-up, losing to Germany. They are short of players, too. Patrick Agyemang sits out with an Achilles problem and Johnny Cardoso is missing through injury. Centre-back Chris Richards has been cleared after a late scare with ankle ligaments, which shores up the defensive unit. Up front is where the headaches multiply, and not only for USA.
The question mark over Enciso
Julio Enciso, Paraguay’s most dangerous attacker and a Brighton regular in the Premier League, was stretchered off in their final pre-tournament friendly against Nicaragua with a hamstring problem. No confirmed diagnosis had emerged in the latest available reports, with coach Alfaro saying only that he was “hopeful.” His fitness for this game is uncertain. Without him, Paraguay lose their sharpest threat in transition, and the match becomes even more cautious than it already looked.
They have earned their billing without relying on any one player, though. Paraguay’s unbeaten run was built on defensive organisation and collective discipline. They will not come to Los Angeles looking to play an open game. Group D also contains Australia and Türkiye, so losing this opener puts either side under immediate pressure. Both managers need a result, and that shared caution shapes how this afternoon is likely to go.
Our betting tips
Under 2.5 goals is the natural call. A World Cup group opener between two defensive, well-organised sides, one carrying injury absences and the other with a key attacker doubtful, rarely produces goals in volume. Paraguay’s unbeaten run was built on hard-to-break defensive shape, and Pochettino is unlikely to throw bodies forward against a side that punishes transition.
Double chance: USA or draw sits well alongside it. USA have the home crowd, the stronger squad depth on paper, and a home World Cup riding on this result. Paraguay’s pre-tournament form is real and deserves respect, but an outright away win would be a genuine shock. Covering a USA win or a tight draw, the double chance respects what Alfaro’s side have shown without betting against home advantage.
Place your bets and check the current odds on the sports betting page at Campeonbet before kick-off. Full coverage of every Group D fixture is available in the World Cup betting odds section.
Frequently asked questions
When does USA vs Paraguay kick off?
The match kicks off at 01:00 GMT on 13 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.
Who is the favourite?
USA hold a narrow edge at home, but Paraguay’s pre-tournament form makes this far from a straightforward call. It is a tight match, not a foregone conclusion.
What is our main tip for this match?
Under 2.5 goals. Both managers will prioritise not losing this opener, Enciso’s fitness is uncertain, and Paraguay are built for defensive solidity rather than open, high-scoring football.
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