USA vs Paraguay Preview: Pulisic & Co. Fire on Home Soil in Group B Opener

The 2026 World Cup Group B gets underway at 02:00 BST on Saturday as hosts USA face Paraguay in a hugely anticipated opener. The Paraguayans are returning to the World Cup after an incredible 16-year absence, but they face a formidable USA side under Mauricio Pochettino — and they’ll have to do it without injured star Julio Enciso.

Match Details

USA: Pochettino’s Americans eye a perfect start

Former PSG and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has instilled a high-pressing, energetic identity into the United States. The 4-3-3 system relies on an aggressive five-second press to win the ball back quickly, with the width of left-back Antonee Robinson creating overloads in wide areas.

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) — formerly of Chelsea — remains the creative heartbeat of USA’s attack, capable of unlocking defences with his dribbling and direct running. Weston McKennie (Juventus) brings energy and goal-threat from midfield, while captain Tyler Adams anchors the defensive shape. Striker Folarin Balogun (Monaco) offers movement and a composed finish inside the box. Recent friendly wins over Paraguay (2-1), Senegal and Uruguay point to a team in fine form.

Paraguay: Without Enciso but still dangerous

Paraguay’s strength lies in their defensive discipline. Manager Alfaro‘s side were the toughest defensive unit in CONMEBOL qualifying — 8 matches unbeaten, just 14 goals conceded. Their counter-attacking threat revolves around Miguel Almirón, the former Newcastle United midfielder, whose pace and directness on the flank remains a constant danger.

The major blow for Paraguay came with the confirmed absence of Julio Enciso (Strasbourg) through injury. Enciso is precisely the type of unpredictable, technically gifted player who can change a game — his absence significantly reduces Paraguay’s ability to create beyond simple counter-attacks. Without him, Almirón carries almost the entire creative burden alone.

Prediction: Home comforts to tell

USA should have too much for a Paraguay side missing their most creative outlet. Pochettino’s high press will unsettle a defensive team that relies on organisation, and once the Americans break through, the floodgates could open. Prediction: USA 2-0 Paraguay. Pulisic to open the scoring, with the game wrapped up before the hour.