The FIFA World Cup 2026 is under way, and co-hosts United States kick off their home tournament with a Group D opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood — a side returning to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010.

Pochettino's side face a historic occasion

Mauricio Pochettino takes charge of United States in what is a momentous occasion: a home World Cup, with no qualifying pressure, and a passionate crowd behind them from the first whistle. The Argentinian coach will be eager to translate that energy into an early statement result.

Paraguay, meanwhile, carry the weight of a 16-year absence from football's biggest tournament. Their return adds genuine narrative to a Group D encounter that United States will be desperate to win.

When and how to watch

Kick-off is at 2:00am BST / 9:00pm ET (Friday) / 11:00am AEST.

Viewers in the UK can stream the match free on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. In the United States, the game is available on Fox — accessible via Fox One, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, Sling, or DirecTV — and for free on Tubi. Spanish-language coverage is on Telemundo, also available on Peacock. Australian fans can watch free on SBS On Demand. Additional free streams are available via RTÉ Player in Ireland, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.

Fox One carries both Fox and FS1, and currently offers a 3-day free trial before a monthly price of $19.99.

Group D outlook

Three points on opening night would set United States up for a deep run in front of their home supporters. Pochettino's squad, freed from qualifying and buoyed by a raucous home crowd, are expected to have the edge — with FourFourTwo predicting a 2-0 victory for the hosts.