Soccer
Officially getting their home World Cup adventure underway in the early hours of Saturday, the USA will welcome Paraguay to California.
With the sporting world now fully fixed on the 2026 World Cup, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: BetUS
USA
Starting with the hosts, springing what was an almighty upset back in September 2024 as they officially announced Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival, the USA had made it abundantly clear that all of their attention was fixed on this summer’s home World Cup. However, although the United States might be backed by a vocal support this month, USMNT have drastically failed to find any kind of recent stability and could have a real battle on their hands in the race to find a route out of Group A. Last seen signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 loss at the hands of European giants Germany, USA have lost three of their four appearances so far this calendar year. Likewise, showing some extended defensive issues, Saturday’s hosts have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all fronts.
USA Team News
While attacking talisman Christian Pulisic might have failed to notch a single strike with Italian giants AC Milan throughout 2025, the former Chelsea ace will play more than a leading role in the final third this summer. Bagging 13 Ligue 1 strikes with Monaco this season, ex-Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun should spearhead the USA’s attack.
Bagging what turned out to be a sensational consolation strike against Germany last weekend, Fulham skipper Antonee Robinson will start at left-back. Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams will start in the middle of the park in California.
Paraguay
As for the visitors, signing off their World Cup qualifying adventure last year with a gritty 1-0 victory away at Peru, Paraguay certainly cemented their spot as one of South America’s ultimate surprise packages. Mustering 28 points from their 18 qualifying appearances and punching their 2026 World Cup ticket with plenty of time to spare, Gustavo Alfaro’s side have gained a reputation for their rugged approach. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a routine 4-0 romp against Nicaragua, the former Costa Rica boss should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Despite facing what will be a major challenge in the race to book a first World Cup knockout stage ticket since 2010, Alfaro’s men will be more than confident of springing some real headaches on the grandest of stages this summer.
Paraguay Team News
Suffering a major injury scare against Nicaragua last week as they watched Julio Enciso limp off with a suspected knee injury, it remains to be seen if the Strasbourg star will play any part here. Enjoying an eye-catching maiden campaign with Premier League outfit Sunderland, Omar Alderete will start at the back.
Now playing his domestic football with MLS outfit Atlanta United, former Newcastle ace Miguel Almiron will feature in the final third this weekend and will earn a 77th international cap in California.
USA vs Paraguay Key Factors to Consider
- When the USA and Paraguay last met in November 2025 for a friendly showdown, Pochettino’s side claimed a 2-1 victory in Pennsylvania.
- In fact, the United States have won their last three meetings against Saturday’s guests by an aggregate score of 4-1.
- The USA have lost three of their four appearances so far this calendar year.
- Paraguay lost just a quartet of their 18 World Cup qualifying appearances last year.
- Saturday’s hosts have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all fronts.
Conclusion
While the United States might be backed by a vocal home support when they open their World Cup adventure this weekend, Pochettino’s side could have a rugged test on their hands. Despite winning their previous three showdowns against Paraguay by an aggregate score of 4-1, the former Tottenham boss has seen his squad lose three of their four appearances so far this calendar year. Likewise, this summer’s hosts have also remarkably mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their last 14 consecutive attempts.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: BetUS
Read MoreTom Dunstan