USA vs. Paraguay live score, result, highlights from USMNT 2026 World Cup Group D match

The United States will begin one of the most critical summer competitions in national-team history as the USMNT embarks on the start of its 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with an opening match against Paraguay on Friday.

Led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino and superstar Christian Pulisic, the 2026 co-hosts are hoping to ignite the home crowd and spark a surge in soccer interest across the U.S.

That can only be accomplished with a deeper run than the United States men have ever accomplished. The USMNT has only reached the quarterfinals of a modern World Cup once, coming back in 2002, and they have never before reached the semifinals of the tournament in its present elimination format.

Anything less would be a disappointment, and it begins with the opening match against Paraguay where victory could put them on course for a strong group-stage performance and kind knockout-stage draw.

STREAM: Watch the 2026 World Cup live with fubo (U.S. only free trial)

USA vs. Paraguay score

Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
Referee: Danny Makkiele (NED)

Starting lineups:

USA (4-2-3-1, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 8. McKennie, 4. Adams — 2. Dest, 17. Tillman, 10. Pulisic — 20. Balogun

Paraguay (4-4-2, right to left): 1. R. Fernandez (GK) — 4. Caceres, 15. G. Gomez, 3. Alderete, 6. Alonso — 14. Cubas, 8. D. Gomez, 17. Romero, 10. Almiron — 9. Sanabria, 11. D. Gonzalez

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USA vs. Paraguay live updates, highlights from 2026 World Cup

Prematch

4 p.m. - The importance of this match for the United States is enormous. While it will be almost impossible for them to be eliminated in the group stage thanks to the new expanded format, positioning within the knockout-stage bracket is of critical importance.

If the U.S. finishes atop Group D, projecting the draw out sees them most likely end up with a possible Round of 16 game against Belgium. That is far more palatable than the possible Round of 16 draw should they finish second in the group, which would see them likely collide with defending champions Argentina. Third place would see them in an even more precarious situation, as they would likely draw a first-place group finisher in the Round of 32.

Winning every game is of the utmost importance, and that starts in their opener here.

Where to watch USA vs. Paraguay in World Cup

USA vs. Paraguay start time

• Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
• Kickoff: 6 p.m. local (PT) / 9 p.m. ET

The match between the United States and Paraguay will begin at 6 p.m. local time in Inglewood, California.

What channel is USA vs. Paraguay on today?

Here is where the World Cup match between the United States and Paraguay can be found televised around in some major territories around the world, as well as streaming online.

MORE USMNT NEWS:

• Why isn't USA better at soccer by now?
• Meet USA's 2026 World Cup soccer team
• How far will the USMNT go in World Cup?
• How USA could play Iran in World Cup
• Mauricio Pochettino's flirtation with AC Milan is not his biggest issue

USA World Cup schedule 2026

Paraguay World Cup schedule 2026