Los Angeles will host the final co-host nation's opening fixture of FIFA World Cup 2026, as the United States welcome Paraguay in what promises to be a charged Group D encounter.

Mexico and Canada have already played their respective openers, and now Mauricio Pochettino's side carry the weight of a nation's expectation onto home soil — with a historical footnote to add extra colour: the United States beat Paraguay 3-0 in the very first World Cup back in 1930, with Bert Patenaude netting the first hat-trick in the competition's history.

A squad still finding its feet

As a co-host, the United States bypassed qualifying entirely, using a string of friendlies to prepare — with results that swung dramatically. Pochettino's men reached the CONCACAF Gold Cup final last summer before falling to Mexico, then battered Uruguay 5-1 in November only to be hammered 5-2 at home by Belgium in March.

Pochettino favours a fluid 3-4-3 system, with Antone Robinson and Sergino Dest providing width from wing-back. Weston McKennie has established himself as the engine of the side, operating to the right of centre-forward Folarin Balogun. Much of the creative burden, however, rests with Christian Pulisic, who operates with near-total freedom off the left of the front three.

Paraguay's remarkable turnaround

Paraguay arrive in Los Angeles having endured a turbulent qualification campaign — a manager dismissed, an alarming early run of results, and a group-stage exit at the 2024 Copa America. The appointment of Gustavo Alfaro, poached from Costa Rica, proved transformative. Under his guidance, Paraguay defeated Brazil, Uruguay, and reigning world champions Argentina to clinch automatic qualification.

Their record in qualifying was modest in front of goal — just 14 goals in 18 matches — but their defensive organisation has been the defining feature of their resurgence. They concede little, and make opponents work hard for every chance.

Recent meeting tips the scales

These two sides met in a friendly less than eight months ago, with the United States winning 2-1. The result carries an asterisk: Paraguay played the entire second half with ten men following Omar Alderete's red card. Still, it represents a confidence-boosting reference point for the hosts.

With home advantage, a vocal crowd behind them, and slight favouritism on their side, the United States are tipped to edge a tight contest. Prediction: United States 1-0 Paraguay.